The Delta State Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting poor and vulnerable households through targeted livelihood programmes and strategic empowerment initiatives.
This assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services, and Girl Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, during a media briefing in Asaba on the impact of her ministry over the past two years under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Ms. Uduaghan emphasized that the ministry’s core mandate is not to cater to every household but to specifically uplift the economically disadvantaged and advance the development of the girl child.
“Our ministry is deliberately structured to provide livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households, and to focus on girl child development. Over 7,000 individuals across the 25 local government areas of Delta State have so far benefited from various interventions,” she said.
Highlighting key initiatives, the Commissioner pointed to the MORE Grant Scheme as a flagship project designed to cater to three distinct categories of beneficiaries: artisans from low-income households, petty traders, and female entrepreneurs.
According to her, 1,600 petty traders — including women selling local produce such as akara, ugu, and pepper — received grants ranging between ₦70,000 and ₦100,000, based on the scale and nature of their businesses.
In addition, 1,826 artisans across 23 trades and professions each received ₦150,000 to boost their operations.
Ms. Uduaghan also detailed the ministry’s support for female entrepreneurs. She explained that beneficiaries were first trained across all 25 local government areas in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. The training covered entrepreneurship management, bookkeeping, and other business essentials.
Following a post-training assessment, 1,500 successful participants were awarded grants of ₦150,000 each to support and grow their businesses.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner announced plans for a rehabilitation programme targeting survivors of human trafficking and irregular migration.
“His Excellency, Governor Oborevwori, is deeply concerned about the rise of human trafficking in our state. Our focus this year is not only to fight this menace but to reintegrate survivors through mental, emotional, and skills rehabilitation,” she said.
She recalled that in the previous year, the ministry supported 50 returnees from Libya and Mali with grants of ₦150,000 each to help them rebuild their lives.
Commending Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support, Ms. Uduaghan assured that the administration remains committed to delivering on its MORE Agenda — prioritizing Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security.
“Our mission is clear — to give dignity, hope, and support to the most vulnerable among us. And with the Governor’s continued backing, we will achieve even more,” she concluded.