Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has stated that the Micro Credit programme of his administration was designed to make Deltans economically buoyant and employers of labour.

According to him, the money given to beneficiaries of the scheme was take-off capital which should yield profit if properly managed.

Dr Uduaghan spoke on Tuesday July 22, 2014 at Eku, Ethiope East local government area of the state during the presentation of certificates to 138 cluster groups who were the beneficiaries of Delta State Micro Credit Programme (DMCP).

According to him, “the money is seed money that you must use to grow your business, it is not for you to buy cars and build houses as you will comfortably do that when your business is doing well.”

He emphasised that there was no discrimination in the choice of beneficiaries of the micro credit programme and urged those who are yet to benefit from the scheme to be patient.

Dr Uduaghan also urged youths to utilize windows presented by the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative to engage in actions that will cater for their needs at old age.

“Youths should be hardworking and emulate those who have made it through genuine means, they should shun social vices and utilise empowerment programmes that we have,” the Governor said, asserting, “this is the time to prepare genuinely for old age.”

He disclosed that over 100, 000 Deltans have benefitted from the micro credit scheme since its introduction in 2007 and they have become employers of labour.

Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) noted that Governor Uduaghan will not relent in positioning Deltans for future challenges.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu in a welcome address, thanked Governor Uduaghan for sustaining the programme which has empowered a lot of Deltans.

Beneficiaries of the scheme who spoke at the occasion said their businesses have grown and that they have become employers of labour instead of job seekers.