Warri, Delta – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, says the multi-faceted empowerment programme, tagged; “Sheriff Cares”, which was launched Monday August 19, by Warri South Local Government Council, is like seed planting coming from a place of love and care.

The Governor, who was represented by Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, commended the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, for taking the initiative, saying, “‘Sheriff Cares’ is the first act of the NG Cares and Delta Cares programme in the state.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, who stated that money for the empowerment programmes, may not be much, advised: “I want to appeal to us to inculcate the habit of saving, so that we can elevate from a place of poverty to a place of financial sustainability. I am believing that because our people are very smart, these monies will be put to good use.

“It is my fervent hope that this humble beginning, will revolutionize our meagre financial resources to the level of sustainability for all of us. This is just the beginning of these good things.”

Special Adviser to Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Love, who admonished beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes, said: “I hail the chairman for being the pioneer of this program 'Sheriff Cares'. I also commend the Council for the initiative of the 'Human Capital Development' position, the first of its kind among the local governments in Delta State. It means that your chairman is a proactive chairman, a capacity chairman, a digital chairman. Chairman wey sabi.

“As Special Adviser on Trade and Export, my Office identifies cooperatives involved in the production of palm oil, garri, plantain chips, etc. We give financial aid to these categories of producers, so that they can produce more. We have International partners to patronize them.

“Majority of my work will be based in the Warri axis, as the Warri Port is situated here. We want to make our port function again. That way, we will also ensure employment for the indigenes here. There will be something for everyone at every level. We will also welcome investors from across the country, to come and do business here.”

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, in his remarks, disclosed: “It’s important I let you know that all the programmes you see here today, are directives from the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. I was instructed to look for the most vulnerable in the local government and I deemed it fit to consider our widows and People Living with Disabilities, PWDs. This money may not be big, but we want to use it as a wake-up call. This project, 'Sheriff Cares' being launched today, has many components as directed by the governor. 

“For the widows and PWDs; 20 persons from each of the DSIEC wards in Warri South Local Government Area, all of which were sourced by the Councilors and additional 50 for people, who were not be able to access the programme from the ward selection process, which will round up to 450. This 450 people, will benefit N10,000 monthly throughout the lifespan of this administration. After the launching today, the monies will be sent directly to the beneficiaries accounts duly. 

“There is Revolving Loan Scheme for the market traders with a 5% interest rate: 10 million naira to each of the markets in Warri South Local Government Area. It should be noted that this is loan. The money is not for free. If participants use these loans properly, there will be increase. If not used properly, the programme will not work. 

“The third programme, though not launched today, is aviation training programme for our youths. As decided by the excos, one beneficiary from each ward, will be trained by the Council to become pilots. 

“The empowerment programme, include 5 youths from each of the 20 DSIEC wards for job training and development.”