By Sam Akadoro Sapele
No fewer than seven physically challenged persons from Okpe Local Government area of Delta State have been empowered by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) with starter packs after undergoing training programmes in their respective trades.
The Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele, Okpe, Uvwie and the Urhobo Ethnic nationality in Warri on the commission, Dr. Henry Ofa, while handing over the starter packs to the beneficiaries, enjoined them to put the items to proper use and never to sell them for any reason.
He said the commission has evolved methods of monitoring the activities of the beneficiaries.
He remarked that the commission decided to adopt this method having realised that some youths are of the habit of selling starter packs given to them to better their lives for peanut.
He insisted that the packs are meant for empowering the youth for self sustenance and giving hope to others who will learn from them.
Ofa commended the Senior Social Welfare Officer of the Okpe Local Government, Mr. Ikonyo Avwengho, who put a constant check on him which gave birth to the items given to the beneficiaries.
He urged others to always reach out to him so that their people could also benefit and never to sit down in one place hoping that manners will fall from heaven.
He commended the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who made the finances available for the operation of DESOPADEC without which noting would have been possible for the people of the oil bearing communities.
Ofa assured that better days are ahead for the people of the oil bearing communities, appealing to them to always give the state government maximum corporation for the Governor to finish strong.
In separate responses, the Senior Social Welfare officer of Okpe Local Council, Mr. Ikonyo Avwengho, and Miss Lorentta, who practiced fashion designing, commended Ofa and DESOPADEC, including the Delta State Government for the gesture.
They assured that they will put the items to proper use and as well give hope to others who will learn the trade from them.
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