Oborevwori Challenges DESOPADEC Skills Academy Beneficiaries
By Elohor Foghola
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has admonished the 5th Batch of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy (DSA) beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to unlock opportunities, create jobs and transform their communities as the future lies in their hands.
The Governor gave the advice during the presentation of starter packs and N500,000 ‘seed money’ to beneficiaries of the DESOPADEC Skill Academy, (DSA) on Wednesday, at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the State.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Johnson Erijo highlighted the role of DSA in equipping youths with the necessary skills to become entrepreneurs, saying ‘’ we are witnessing the launch of the well-resourced starter packs for beneficiaries of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, DSA; a project that underscores our commitment to the growth, empowerment, and development of our people.
“This initiative is an embodiment of our M.O.R.E Agenda—a blueprint for the sustained human and infrastructural development of our dear state.
“It is through programs like the Skills Academy and the provision of starter packs that we translate these ideals into tangible benefits for the people of Delta State,” he said.
The Governor described the event as, “a defining moment in our journey towards achieving the dreams and aspirations of the good people of the DESOPADEC mandate areas.
He also said that the provision of starter packs was not merely about offering equipment or infrastructure, but creating an environment that nurtured the entrepreneurial spirit and equips our youth with the necessary tools to succeed. ‘’By pairing the Skills Academy with these starter packs, we are ensuring that every beneficiary has access to a structured pathway to not only acquire valuable skills but also to immediately apply them in a real-world setting.
‘’This initiative will directly impact the lives of thousands of young people across the oil-producing areas of Delta State,’’ the Governor said. He commended the management of DESOPADEC for their support in making the project a reality and for collaborating with the state government in creating a better Delta State, and appealed to the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the resources given to them to innovate, create, and grow in their different vocations.
In his remark, the Chairman of DESOPADEC board, Chief John Nani called on the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to grow their business and not divert the empowerment to other use. He urged them to be good ambassadors of Delta State by appreciating what the governor had done for them through DESOPADEC
Also, the Managing Director and CEO, Chief Festus Ochonoghor, earlier in his address commended the state governor for his enormous support, assuring him that the management will continue to do their best in promoting the MORE Agenda.
He pointed out that the 5th batch of DSA beneficiaries was different from the previous batch, as it aimed to empower beneficiaries who have acquired skills in various vocations which includes, catering and confectioneries, fashion design, hairdressing/makeover, software and hardware development, POP, tiling and interlocking, or electrical installation and repairs but have been finding it difficult to get the required tools to set up their businesses.
In his remark, the Executive Director of Social Services at the DESOPADEC, Chief Favour Izoukumor, said that the event marked a significant milestone in the lives of our beneficiaries, who had undergone extensive training and are now equipped to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Responding, a beneficiary, Miss Jessica Deeyaa from Warri South West LGA, who is into fashion and design, expressed her appreciation to the Governor and DESOPADEC for the packs and seed funds for enabling her start up her own business. Also, Toju Iyoemeta from Warri North, a graphic designer, who got a starter pack for software and hardware, said the pack and seed fund will enable him set up his own business, while praying for the Governor and DESOPADEC.
