Fifty small-scale traders from the Uwheru community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have received financial support through the “You Matter Charity Foundation Market Outreach,” a project led by Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the wife of the Delta State Governor.
At the launch event, Mrs. Oborevwori explained that the empowerment initiative, which will be extended to other parts of the state, is designed to boost small businesses especially those run by women and low-income traders so they can thrive and play a stronger role in the state’s economic growth.
Mrs. Oborevwori, Founder and Chairperson of the You Matter Charity Foundation, emphasized the importance of Delta State’s micro-economy and petty trading sector, calling it a key part of the government’s development goals. She noted that these small businesses align closely with the objectives of her husband’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
Speaking on her behalf, Evangelist Joy Mariere Ughelli North Coordinator of the Foundation and wife of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman reiterated the governor’s wife’s dedication to supporting small businesses and enhancing livelihoods, especially at the grassroots level.
Mrs. Oborevwori shared that before the current administration came into office, she had personally visited markets in Uwheru to rally support for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s election. She explained that this latest empowerment initiative is her way of giving back to the community that supported them.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the financial support to grow their businesses, become financially independent, and improve their family’s well-being.
“This empowerment isn’t just a handout it’s a chance to grow,” she said. “Use it wisely to strengthen your trade and build a more self-reliant future.”
Deaconess Oborevwori also urged traders who haven’t gotten their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the ongoing registration, stressing that it’s free and crucial for benefiting from future government initiatives.
She noted that when the first phase of the empowerment programme launched last year, some people were skeptical about its authenticity. However, many later came to see it was truly meant to help. She encouraged Deltans to have confidence in the MORE Agenda, which is focused on improving infrastructure, boosting social welfare, and promoting economic empowerment.
The First Lady of Delta State revealed that upcoming phases of the “You Matter Charity Foundation Market Outreach” will reach more communities in Ughelli North, including Otowodo, Aghara, Agbarho, Orogun, and the main markets in Ughelli.
She stressed that the programme is specifically meant for struggling traders and will remain focused on empowering people at the grassroots level.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Christiana Etagbwdavbe thanked the Governor’s wife for her kindness and dedication to supporting the less privileged.
“We’re deeply thankful to the First Lady for this life-changing help,” she said. “The open and transparent process has renewed our trust, and we pledge our continued support for this administration.”
Out of the 50 traders selected, 41 received their empowerment funds during the event. The remaining nine were asked to reach out to the Ughelli North Coordinator of the Foundation at a later date to collect theirs.
Read also: Deaconess Oborevwori Calls on Delta Women to Rally Grassroots Support for Tinubu Administration
