By Sunday Apah
On Thursday, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, announced the distribution of financial grants to 2,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. This initiative aims to help these businesses thrive and alleviate the challenges posed by ongoing economic hardships across the country.
During a ceremony for the MORE Business Upscale Programme (MORE BIZ-UP) held at the Events Centre in Asaba, organized by the Delta State Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the program’s purpose—to empower entrepreneurs and mitigate the impact of economic difficulties.
“The MORE Business Upscale Programme, also known as MORE Biz-Up, is a key initiative in line with my administration’s MORE Agenda focused on job creation,” he stated. “This program is designed to provide essential financial support to MSMEs, enabling them to expand their operations and navigate the challenges presented by our current economic climate.”
He further explained that the program is one of several initiatives, including D-CARES and M.O.R.E Grant, aimed at stimulating small business growth and fostering overall development in the state.
The governor encouraged recipients to utilize the skills learned from the M.O.R.E. Business School component to improve their enterprises and foster networking among fellow entrepreneurs. “Your success as business owners is crucial for our state’s economic advancement and will encourage more young people to pursue entrepreneurship,” he noted.
Oborevwori urged the beneficiaries to apply the grants wisely and responsibly, as they have been selected from a competitive pool of over 10,000 applicants. “This group of 2,000 includes 1,000 new business owners who have not previously participated in government-supported programs, alongside 1,000 past beneficiaries verified by the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring.”
He expressed his hope for the beneficiaries’ continued success and growth, stating, “It is my sincere wish that your businesses thrive and grow stronger.”
Earlier, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, the State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, highlighted that the MORE Business Upscale Programme is geared towards stimulating economic growth by equipping entrepreneurs with advanced business knowledge and providing financial aid. “This latest round of grants illustrates our government’s steadfast commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic advancement under the ‘Advancing Delta’ initiative of the MORE Agenda,” he remarked.
In their supportive messages, Ifeanyi Abanum, Chairman of the Artisans Association in Delta State, and Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa, state ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his administration’s various empowerment programs, which they noted have significantly benefitted Deltans.
Both Abanum and Esiovwa encouraged recipients of the MORE Biz-Up grants, as well as other state-funded empowerment initiatives, to utilize their resources wisely to enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors and contribute positively to the state’s development.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Meshack Okeoghene expressed heartfelt thanks to Governor Oborevwori, emphasizing that the government’s support would act as a catalyst for the growth of their businesses.
