The ceremony, held along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, attracted top government functionaries, party leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and members of the press.
The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
According to him, the EKO Empowerment Scheme was conceived to address the everyday financial challenges faced by small business owners, many of whom require modest capital to sustain or expand their enterprises, especially during the festive season.
“This empowerment programme is a clear demonstration of this administration’s unwavering commitment to the upliftment of our people. We have listened to the yearnings of small business owners who need as little as ₦50,000 to replace tools or ₦100,000 to restock their shops. This intervention is a turning point for them and their businesses,” he said.
The Chairman emphasized that the programme is inclusive and non-partisan, cutting across all wards in the local government and accommodating beneficiaries from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo communities.
He explained that to ensure transparency and credibility, beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous process involving ward leaders and community representatives, with strict requirements for proof of existing businesses or evidence of completed skill acquisition.
All submissions, he noted, were further vetted by a verification committee set up by the council.
In a brief account of his stewardship since assuming office, the Chairman highlighted several achievements recorded by his administration.
These include the commissioning of the Oko Event Centre; construction and completion of open stalls at the new modern foodstuff market in Cable Point, Asaba; and the completion and commissioning of the Oshimili South Local Government Plaza at the burnt old Ogbeogonogo Market.
Other achievements listed include the construction and near completion of a new administrative secretariat complex, procurement of security vehicles and motorcycles to support crime-fighting efforts, and the introduction of an emergency security shortcode (7745) approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
He also cited the provision of a 150KVA generator for the council secretariat, installation of a 500KVA transformer for residents of Okelue and Usona Streets, acquisition of land for a public-private partnership cemetery project, and the construction of an ultra-modern revenue-generating plaza within the council premises.
Further interventions, he said, include the release of ₦100 million to the legislature for constituency projects, digital skills training and empowerment of youths with Apple laptops, distribution of first aid boxes to primary schools, health interventions covering measles-rubella advocacy and tuberculosis screening, and the organization of the inaugural EKO Cup football tournament to foster unity and peace among youths.
Hon. Obi disclosed that between 2024 and 2025, his administration disbursed over ₦263 million in financial assistance and grants to religious and educational institutions, persons with disabilities and other indigent groups, alongside the annual distribution of Christmas rice and palliatives across the 11 wards.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor, the Deputy Governor, members of the executive and legislative arms of the council, staff, community leaders and residents of Oshimili South for their continued support, attributing the administration’s successes to collective effort and divine guidance.
