The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Delta State, Hon. (Comr.) Friday Ovoke Warri, has flagged off the Councillors’ Mega Ward Empowerment Programme, with plans to support about 4,000 residents across the local government’s 20 wards with cash grants of ₦50,000 each.
The initiative, which commenced at the Oleh Civic Centre and in Irri, is aimed at strengthening small businesses, improving livelihoods and stimulating economic activities at the grassroots.
Under the programme, approximately 200 beneficiaries in each ward are expected to receive ₦50,000 to support their businesses and other income-generating activities.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremonies, Warri said the initiative was designed to provide direct financial assistance to residents and create opportunities for economic growth across communities in Isoko South.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds, noting that those who demonstrate responsible management of the grants could be considered for higher amounts in subsequent empowerment programmes.
Reflecting on his experience as a former councillor, the chairman recalled the financial difficulties elected representatives faced during his tenure, which often limited their ability to execute projects and provide meaningful support to their constituents.
“I left the council as a councillor in 2017, but received my last salary in 2018. It was that terrible during our time. In those days, we could not execute projects, not because we did not want to, but because the resources were not available. Even my first salary as a councillor was only 20 per cent paid,” he said.
Warri expressed satisfaction with the council’s improved financial capacity, noting that councillors could now mobilise resources to implement programmes that directly benefit residents.
“Today, our councillors are gathering people for an empowerment programme. It is a good development,” he added.
The council chairman said the initiative aligned with the development agenda of the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He attributed the increased capacity of subnational governments to undertake grassroots interventions partly to improved federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. (Prince) Johnson Erijo, described the programme as a significant milestone in the history of democratic governance in Isoko South.
Erijo said the initiative was unprecedented in its scale, particularly in the number of residents targeted and the financial assistance being offered to individual beneficiaries.
“This empowerment programme initiated by the Isoko South Local Government Council is the first of its kind in the history of the local government, where councillors have come together to empower this number of people with ₦50,000 each,” he said.
He attributed the programme to the policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the support of Governor Oborevwori in Delta State.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Isoko South Local Government Council, Friday Abizire Olokor, alongside councillors Efemena Efeturi and Onoriode Obeuwou, commended the initiative and pledged continued engagement with constituents to identify pressing needs and areas requiring government attention.
Olokor described the programme as an important intervention to improve residents’ economic well-being, noting that the grants could help beneficiaries strengthen existing businesses, expand their operations and establish sustainable sources of income.
He also disclosed that the council had extended support to vulnerable groups, including elderly citizens, widows and persons with physical challenges. According to him, development projects had also been executed in several communities across the local government area.
The councillors and council officials urged beneficiaries to invest the grants and any equipment provided wisely, stressing that responsible use of the support would promote sustainable livelihoods and help achieve the programme’s objectives.
The Councillors’ Mega Ward Empowerment Programme forms part of the Isoko South Local Government Council’s efforts to promote grassroots economic development, support small businesses and improve living conditions across its 20 wards.
