BY SAM DUVWODE
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has adivsed farmers in the state to make good use of the Agricultural equipment and loan grants to them to improve the economic condition of their lives, the State and the Country in general.
Governor Okowa, gave the advised yesterday while Flagging Off Farmers Grants, Equipment Distribution And Artisans’ Loan, at Governement House, Asaba.
The state government as part of measures to diversify the economy and reduced dependence on the proceeds from oil, gave grants and equipment to 900 men and women to enable them start off a farming venture as well as expand already existing one.
Also, in line with the State government SMART Agenda on agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialization, about 975 artisans made up of, motorcycle/tricycle riders, and butchers received loans to improve their businesses to create employment.
The State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that, the program would pave way for better employment opportunities. He added that it will also flourish agricultural and agro-based business that will in turn, build and consolidate the State economic status and ensure prosperity for all Deltans.
Gov. Okowa, noted that, since the inception of his administration, the State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency has empowered six hundred entrepreneurship group and cooperatives across the 25 local government areas of the state to the tune of Eight Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (N835, 700, 000.00) through various empowerment schemes in which youths, farmers, market women and men are beneficiaries.
The governor disclosed that the Agency was also into the ‘Master Trainer’ for leather works in collaboration with UNIDO as well as weaving and stoning of our native Akwa-Ocha/Akwa-Oma fabrics at Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Governor Okowa revealed that, the Center at Issele-Uku was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that can produced same and even better quality leather products like those in Italy. Adding that the centre has had so far trained about 110 graduates in Akwa-Ocha craft and 300 graduates in leather works.
Earlier in their remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Mrs. Shimitie Bello and the State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary, Comrade Obi Nzete urged the beneficiaries to support Gov Okowa always to enable him continue to do more.
The program was graced by top government functionaries including the State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie and his Economic Planning counterpart Kingsley Emu, as well as the State Deputy Chief of Staff Hon. Steve Eruotor among others.