By Lucy Ezeliora
The Onishe of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Onwordi James Asika Ibori, has called on indigenes of the Ubulu-Uku community to take full advantage of the various empowerment initiatives introduced by the Delta State Government.
Chief Onwordi made this appeal during a one-day sensitisation program organised by ActNaija in commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Poverty Eradication, held in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He emphasised that many residents have yet to fully benefit from the social intervention programmes initiated by the state government. These initiatives, he explained, are designed to support the poor, vulnerable, and unemployed by providing financial assistance, training, and empowerment opportunities that can help them achieve a better standard of living.
According to Chief Onwordi, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has rolled out several empowerment schemes, including Cash Transfer programmes, More Agenda for Artisans, AGILE (Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment) for young girls, Widow Empowerment Schemes, and Job Creation programmes for youths. He noted that the Ubulu-Uku Kingdom is among the communities earmarked to benefit from these initiatives.
He further encouraged community members to participate in the ongoing enrollment for the National Social Register, which provides access to state social empowerment programmes. Chief Onwordi clarified that the registration process is free, transparent, and people-driven, urging everyone to seize the opportunity to be included in the government’s social protection initiatives.
“Our people should not be discouraged,” he said. “Let’s work together in unity to support the government and embrace these opportunities that can improve our livelihood and financial stability. The ActNaija initiative, implemented in partnership with the Delta State Government, is one of the many steps being taken to uplift our people.”
Chief Onwordi explained that the ActNaija project is implemented by The Bread for the World (Germany), The New Initiatives for Social Development (NISD), and the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), with co-funding from the European Union. He described the initiative as a welcome development that promotes inclusivity and ensures that more people benefit from government programmes.
He also appealed to relevant stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to lend their support towards the smooth implementation of the ActNaija projects across the state.
“The administration of Governor Oborevwori is doing a lot to cushion the impact of the current economic hardship,” he added. “At the community level, social protection remains the best approach to fight poverty. We are ready to collaborate with the ActNaija team to ensure that more of our people are reached and empowered.”
Chief Onwordi concluded by commending the people of Ubulu-Uku for their peaceful and industrious nature, urging them to continue supporting the Oborevwori administration in its mission to uplift communities and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable empowerment schemes.
