By Peter Onyekachukwu 
…Approves CONLESS For Delta Assembly Workers, N15,000 Stipend For Widows
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday announced that his administration has empowered a total of 266,737 Deltans through various social intervention and empowerment programmes across the state.
Governor Oborevwori made this known while delivering the State of the State address to members of the Delta State House of Assembly at the Assembly Complex.
He stated that his administration has been deliberate, intentional, and proactive in providing a safety net for vulnerable groups through well-targeted social protection initiatives, particularly in light of the current economic challenges.
According to him, the 266,737 beneficiaries were empowered through several programmes, including the Delta CARES (D-CARES) Programme, Women Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (WESAP), Working Fingers Initiative, MORE Grants Scheme, MORE Biz-Up Programme, and the Widows Welfare Scheme.
Under the D-CARES Programme, the Governor said 247,000 Deltans have been empowered, noting that the release of N1 Billion as counterpart funding for the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), has supported 2,000 farmers engaged in food production, livestock, and aquaculture.
The Governor further revealed that 220 women were recently trained in fashion design, hairdressing, catering, decoration and event management, as well as makeup and gele tying under the WESAP initiative.
He added that the programme was extended to 91 people living with disabilities, who were trained in ICT, confectionery, fashion design, and leatherwork.
“We also distributed fertilizers to farmers across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state to support our efforts in ensuring food security,” the Governor said.
He went on to explain that the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development had trained and supported 2,000 women across the state in practical skills, mental health education, and entrepreneurship under the Working Fingers Initiative.
Through the MORE Grants Scheme, the state government has empowered micro and small-scale businesses, offering financial support to 5,426 petty traders and small business owners in response to ongoing economic hardships.
Governor Oborevwori, said: “Through the Job and Wealth Creation Bureau, we have supported 2,000 MSMEs with funding and business support packages under the MORE Biz-Up Programme.
“These programmes underscore our unwavering commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy that uplifts the most vulnerable and promotes shared prosperity.
“This administration holds the welfare of widows in high regard, and we will continue doing everything within our power to improve their quality of life under the Widows Welfare Scheme.
“I have just approved the payment of a N15,000 monthly stipend for 10,000 widows across the state”.
Appreciating the Speaker and members of the State Legislature for maintaining an excellent relationship with the Executive, the Governor acknowledged that the achievements of his administration would not have been possible without the support and cooperation between both arms of government.
“I consider myself fortunate to work with a legislature that is genuinely committed to partnering with the Executive to achieve its goals. The relationship between this House and my office has been marked by trust, mutual understanding, transparency, and accountability.
“At this point, I would like to briefly address the issue of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS). As a former Speaker, I support the new salary scale. However, due to the introduction of a new minimum wage, this administration needed to conduct due diligence before making a decision.
“I am pleased to announce that I have approved the payment of CONLESS, effective June 2025. I thank the workers and their leaders for their patience, understanding, and support,” he added.