A MULTI-million dollar Delta State micro, small and medium entrepreneurship centre has been commissioned by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Uduaghan who commissioned the center at Issele-Uku, Aniocha North local government area of Delta State on Monday, May 25, 2015 in the presence of officials of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); officials of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), traditional rulers, top politicians, among others described the project was designed to help achieve the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of his administration.

“Our micro credit scheme which we started in 2007 has started to yield fruits,” he said, adding, “our intention with Delta Beyond Oil initiative is to have a lot of industries that will keep the people positively engaged.”, reiterating “we believe that with our micro credit programme, we can build industries.”

Uduaghan commended the youths of Issele-Uku for not disrupting the project saying projects executed by his administration were well intentioned in the interest of the people.

“I pray that other youths in the state emulate the youths of this community for government projects to go on smoothly, we know that most times, the youths benefit more from the projects.”

While commending UNIDO for a progressive partnership, Uduaghan noted that UNIDO will concentrate on leather works and shoe making while FIIRO will handle food products.

Earlier, the representative of UNIDO, Mr Jessy Ojobo said Dr Uduaghan kept to his promise and the UNIDO was happy to partner the Delta State government in developing the center.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Executive Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu in an address, stated that the center would be training more than ten thousand persons annually who will be assisted to set up their businesses and also train other Deltans.

“This is a wealth creating center,” Dr Ashiedu said and lauded Governor Uduaghan’s commitment to empower Deltans through the Delta Beyond Oil initiative.

The Regent of Issele-Uku, Prince Dominic Egbune in a welcome address said, “this training and entrepreneurship centre indeed, is an indelible edifice Your Excellency, Dr Uduaghan has established that can never be forgotten, we will remain very grateful for this wonderful gesture that will also boost the economic activities and the aesthetic nature of Issele-Uku.”

In a similar development, Governor, Uduaghan commissioned bridge and road projects in Eku and in Warri, where he urged Deltans to protect government property in their communities.

Among the projects commissioned include a 160 meter bridge valued at N1.8 billion in Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area, 2.5 kilometer dualised Okumagba-Deco road, the Messiah African Church road, and Ajamimoghan/Mabiaku link road bridge all in Warri South local government area of the state.

At the commissioning of Okumagba-Deco road project, Dr Uduaghan stated that it was important for communities to protect government property in their communities because they were meant for the people’s benefit.

“This road is very vital and strategic, it has now dualised and we can enjoy it, please, let us take care of government property in our areas, we should not damage them, we should not allow other people to damage them,” he said.

He specifically warned against dumping of building materials, especially sand on the walkways disclosing that such action blocks drainages which leads to flooding.

At Eku, Governor Uduaghan observed that the 100 metre long bridge will facilitate movement of goods and services from Jesse, Oghara, Eku villages and shortened the distance to Edo State.

The Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon thanked Governor Uduaghan for approving the construction of projects that would make life easier for the people.

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