As part of measures geared towards cushioning the excruciating brunt of the current economic situation in the land, and enhancing favourable climate conditions of indigenous businesses, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has launched the M.O.R. E. GRANT SCHEME for artisans, petty traders and female entrepreneurs in the State.
The launching of the programme for the empowerment of 5, 426 beneficiaries selected across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, took place at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba.
The Governor, in his speech, stated that the M.O.R.E Grant Scheme was specifically tailored towards ameliorating the economic sufferings petty traders and artisans from poor and vulnerable households go through in their various communities.
He charged them to make judicious and timely use of the rare opportunity that has been thrust upon them.
The Governor described the M.O.R.E. Grant Scheme as a beacon of hope and catalyst for positive change.
“The M.O.R.E Grant Scheme represents a beacon of hope and catalyst for positive change, as it provides critical resources that will help you scale-up your businesses and improve your livelihood,” he disclosed.
Oborevwori further revealed that 1,600 petty traders grappling with their businesses would be benefiting from the scheme while an additional 1,826 artisans and 2,000 female entrepreneurs would be amongst the beneficiaries.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, applauded the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for such a laudable initiative, adding that the project would “unveil a transformative journey of solidarity and reaffirms our dedication to improving the lives of our people particularly members of poor and vulnerable households in the State,”
Ms. Uduaghan stressed that each of the programmes was carefully and conscientiously designed to empower specific segments of the state with over 5,000 beneficiaries.
The Commissioner revealed that phase one sought to capture the heartbeat of the State’s local economy: The petty traders, while phase two beamed its focus on local craftsmen/artisans, while the final phase was tailored towards female entrepreneurs (females with small businesses).
Guest Speakers, Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, and Weyinmi Eribo, DG, Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), advocated for capacity building to enhance the quality of lives of the citizenry.
Mr. Wilson Chukwuka, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, in his vote of thanks, commended the state Governor for the unprecedented empowerment through the Ministry.
The highlight of the event was the issuance of symbolic cheques to some beneficiaries at the even
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