Use skills acquired to unlocked opportunities, Oborevwori charges 5th Batch of DESOPADEC Skills Academy

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has urged the 5th Batch of DESOPADEC Skills Academy (DSA) beneficiaries to use the skills, acquired to unlock opportunities, create jobs, and transform their communities, as the future lies in their hands.

Our Senior Roving Correspondent, reports that the Governor stated this at the presentation ceremony of starter packs and 500, 000 thousand seed money to beneficiaries of the DESOPADEC Skill Academy, (DSA) on Wednesday November 27, 2024 at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon Johnson Erijo highlighted the role of DSA in equipping youths with the necessary skills to become entrepreneurs saying ‘’ we are witnessing the launch of the well-resourced starter packs for beneficiaries of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, DSA, a project that underscores our commitment to the growth, empowerment, and development of our people.

‘’ This initiative is an embodiment of our M.O.R.E Agenda—a blueprint for the sustained human and infrastructural development of our dear state.

‘’ It is through programs like the Skills Academy and the provision of starter packs that we translate these ideals into tangible benefits for the people of Delta State.

The Governor described the event as ‘’ a defining moment in our journey towards achieving the dreams and aspirations of the good people of the DESOPADEC mandate areas.

He also said ‘’The provision of starter packs is not merely about offering equipment or infrastructure; it is about creating an environment that nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit and equips our youth with the necessary tools to succeed.

‘’By pairing the Skills Academy with these starter packs, we are ensuring that every beneficiary has access to a structured pathway to not only acquire valuable skills but also to immediately apply them in a real-world setting.

‘’This initiative will directly impact the lives of thousands of young people across the oil-producing areas of Delta State,’’ he said.

The Governor commended the management of DESOPADEC for their support in making the project a reality and for collaborating with the state government in making a better Delta State.

He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the resources given to them to innovate, to create, and to grow in their different vocations.

The chairman of DESOPADEC board, chief John Nani in his remark called on the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to grow their business and not divert it to other use.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of Delta State by appreciating what the Governor has done for them through DESOPADEC.

The Managing Director and CEO, Chief Festus Ochonoghor, earlier in his address commended the State Governor for his enormous support, assuring him that the management will continue to do their best in promoting the MORE agenda.

He pointed out that the 5th batch of DSA beneficiaries is different from the previous batch, as it aims to empower beneficiaries who have acquired skills in various vocation which includes, catering and confectioneries, fashion design, hairdressing/makeover, software and hardware development, POP, tiling and interlocking, or electrical installation and repairs but have been finding it difficult to get the required tools to set up their businesses.

‘We are giving the beneficiaries a start-up packs and a seed fund of 500,000. While the second phase of the program aims to empower 500 women from the different nationalities in the mandate area with a grant of a 100,000 Naira.

He stated that the annual program is in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's human capital development goal outlined in the MORE Agenda.  To enable unemployed youths to be their own bosses. According to him, the forms for the 6th batch of DSA will start right after the Christmas celebration.

Executive Director of Social Services at the DESOPADEC, Chief Favour O. Izoukumor, said that the ceremony the event marks a significant milestone in the lives of our beneficiaries, who have undergone extensive training and are now equipped to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Izuokumor while congratulating the beneficiaries, cautioned them against sale of the stater packs, as a monitoring team will be set up to ensure good use of the items.

Earlier Pastor Afolabi Edun and Dr. Charles Akpoki gave the business lectures, on how to grow and sustain businesses in any economy.

Responding, a beneficiary, Miss Jessica Deeyaa from Warri South West LGA who is into fashion and design, expressed her appreciation to the Governor and DESOPADEC for the packs and seed funds for enabling her start up her own business.

Also, Toju Iyoemeta from Warri North, a graphic designer, who got a starter pack for software and hardware, said the pack and seed fund will enable him set up his own business, while praying for the Governor and DESOPADEC.

Mr. Ogaga Adjigbere from Ethiope West who got a pack for POP, tiling and interlocking. He expressed gratitude to the Governor and DESOPAEC, stating that it has been more than 10 years since he finished his training but he has not been able to establish his own business. He advised other beneficiaries to keep their equipment and use it for the development of the state instead of selling it.

Attending the ceremony were traditional rulers, top government officials, dignitaries, and people from different walks of life.

×