The massive provision of starter packs and other support kits to male beneficiaries of the Switch On Empowerment Programme in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area has been greeted with excitement by male recipients.
Admonishing the beneficiaries at the event held in Opobo Town, headquarters of the LGA, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the member representing Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni Federal Constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante said it was important for them to be committed in using the opportunity to improve their economic fortunes.
He said such commitment and the positive impact on their lives will serve as encouragement for the organisers to do more in empowering the rural people.
The lawmaker warned them against indolence and temptation to sell off the equipment provided as such will amount to not being serious to change their economic status.
Abiante assured Switch-On of his readiness to partner with the non-profit organisation, to empower more rural people to improve the rural economy.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie advised the beneficiaries not to allow the good intentions of the NGO be in vain, urging them to make adequate use of the items provided and those receiving training to persevere and acquire the skills they have been registered.
In her remarks, the Chairman, Planning and Implementation Committee of the 2022 Switch-On empowerment programme, Hon. Sotonye Toby Fulton said it was in response to the promise made during the women empowerment in October 2021 to also provide for the men.
Mr. Itia Otabor, a business strategist, while speaking, charged the beneficiaries on dedication, discipline, diligence and devotion as the anchors for them to accomplish their goal of economic sustainability with whatever they are empowered with.
The 2022 Switch-On empowerment programme saw the provision of training kits, empowerment equipment, scholarships and business supports to 219 beneficiaries cutting across 142 units of the 11 Wards of Opobo/Nkoro local government area.
Present at the event were top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), which included the Deputy Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack; the House of Assembly candidate for Opobo/Nkoro, Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha; chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Hon. Engr. Samuel Nwanosike; chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Hon. (Dr.) Enyiedah Cookey-Gam; chairman of PDP in Opobo/Nkoro, Mr. Godwin Pepple amongst others.
