Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has lauded the Federal Government for disbursing over N1.2 billion to 24,103 beneficiaries of its grants and loan scheme across the state.
The governor gave the commendation at a one-day town hall sensitisation on the Federal Government’s grant and loan scheme in Asaba.
Oborevwori was represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Service and Girl Child Development, Orode Uduaghan.
He said the scheme if sustained, would transform the economy of the state and the country at large.
The governor said the state government has prioritised human capital and economic empowerment.
He said that in the past year, over 200,000 persons had been empowered through the state-owned programmes.
Oborevwori, however, said that the state government’s collaboration with the Federal Government on grant and loan schemes has impacted over 24,103 persons in the state.
The governor called for more sensitisation at the grassroots by using a more friendly communication system to enable the people to understand the programmes better.
He urged the people to take the opportunities provided to secure single-digit interest loans to grow their businesses, urging them to effectively utilise the funds to build their businesses and grow the economy.
“Today, we are here to discuss how this incentive will transform the lives of the people of Delta, particularly small businesses that drive our economic development in the state.
“The Federal Government through this scheme is demonstrating commitment to uplifting the MSMES sector by providing direct support and opportunity for growth.
”I am proud to say that in the past year, through various intervention programmes across the state, we have successfully supported over 215,291 persons through the state government empowerment.
“These programmes reflect our commitment to creating a favourable environment for businesses to flourish.
“Our collaboration with the Federal Government in the Presidential Grants and Loan Scheme is a continuation of our vision.
“The Presidential Grant and Loan scheme was launched a few weeks ago. So far, the state has successfully mobilised and encouraged 24,103 people in the scheme three,” Oborevwori said.
The governor, however, cautioned beneficiaries to deploy the money to grow their businesses, their life and the economy of the state and the country.
In his opening remarks, the State Focal Person for the Scheme, Dr Isioma Okonta, thanked the Federal Government for the initiative which he said had impacted many people in the state.
According to Okonta, the programme is working and many people from across the state have received their N50,000 grants. He thanked the government for the town hall sensitisation and advised those who are yet to receive their grants to wait for it.
Earlier, a staff of the Bank of Industry in Delta, Mr Moses Nega, said that of the N200 billion approved by the Federal Government for the presidential grant and loan scheme, N1.2 billion has been disbursed to 24,103 beneficiaries in Delta.
He said that application windows have closed for the N50,000 support grant for nano businesses, while that for N75 billion MSMES and another N75 billion manufacturing sector fund was ongoing.
Mr Charles Conweh, State Office of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), said funding had remained the challenge for small businesses in the country.
Conweh urged the people to seek information and to venture into accessing the Federal Government loan because of its low interest rate to start new businesses or expand existing businesses.
Mr Princewill Ojeh, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASI), urged the people to register their businesses to enable them to easily access grants or loans.
…Hails Okonjo-Iweala On WTO Re-Appointment
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, (WTO).
Okonjo-Iweala, an illustrious Deltan from Ogwashi-Uku, was a two-time Minister of Finance, who led Nigeria’s economy to exit foreign debt obligations during her first term under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Festus Ahon, expressed appreciation to relevant stakeholders of the WTO for rewarding Okonjo-Iweala with a second term after she was first appointed in 2021.
The Governor said Okonjo-Iweala has had an exceptional career and expertise in economics and international development with a focus on economic reform, poverty reduction, and global trade, earning her numerous accolades and widespread respect.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta, I congratulate a worthy ambassador of Delta and Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her reappointment as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.
“Your appointment is indeed, a testament to your competence and experience as a renowned economist and international development expert.
Your reappointment without any opposition is indeed a reflection of the hard work you put in your first appointment.
“As you continue in this remarkable journey, our prayers are with you always. You will re-enact that which you have always done by bringing pride and honour to Delta and Nigeria,” Oborevwori added.
