By Sunday Apah
On Wednesday, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the First Lady of Delta State, celebrated an end-of-year banquet honoring the wives of traditional rulers and 250 market women from across the state’s 25 Local Government Areas.
The gathering, organized by her philanthropic organization, the You Matter Charity Foundation, took place in the Banquet Hall at Government House, Asaba.
Deaconess Oborevwori expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to host the second edition of this event and to meet the queens for the first time.
“It is truly wonderful to see everyone here today; their presence adds vibrancy to this occasion, and everyone looks radiant and healthy. Our initial meeting with the market women established a lasting relationship, one that I deeply cherish,” she remarked.
Reflecting on her campaign promise to empower market women, she acknowledged initial skepticism regarding her commitment.
However, with the support of her husband, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, she affirmed her dedication to fulfilling that promise, vowing to continue this annual celebration throughout her husband’s term in office.
In the past year, Deaconess Oborevwori noted that her efforts led to the empowerment of 1,000 petty traders through the Renewed Hope Initiative, championed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her husband.
She encouraged the women to continuously support the administration to realize the benefits of the MORE Agenda.
During the event, Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, the Wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, delivered a welcome address praising Deaconess Oborevwori for her commitment to empowering women and amplifying their voices in significant decision-making processes that impact the state.
Mrs. Onyeme urged market women to remain dedicated to their crucial roles in boosting the state’s economy, acknowledging their importance as foundational contributors.
In a series of goodwill messages, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, thanked Governor Oborevwori for empowering women through his wife and commended Deaconess Oborevwori for enhancing the lives of the queens and bringing joy to the market women.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Hon. Samuel Oligida, reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting women through refundable grants aimed at fostering business growth. He emphasized that changing mindsets is crucial for achieving these objectives.
Deaconess Eunice Anirah, the Special Adviser on Women Development, also expressed her gratitude to the Governor and First Lady for their hopeful initiatives.
She encouraged rural mothers and market women to reflect the teachings of Christ in their business practices and community roles.
Leaders from both the traditional rulers’ wives and market women expressed their appreciation for the Governor’s wife’s initiatives and the overall progress being made under Governor Oborevwori’s administration.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s programs and policies in their respective communities.
The event concluded with Deaconess Oborevwori presenting cash awards and gifts, as well as announcing assistance for a market woman who recently lost her shop in a fire.
