By Endurance Ikanone
The Member representing Sapele Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly and Chief Whip, Hon Perkins Umukoro, has empowered no fewer than 120 residents with cash grants of ₦100,000 each.
The lawmaker, addressing the beneficiaries and other stakeholders who were present, said that the initiative was part of his commitment to improving the lives of his people and ensuring dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
“June 13th, 2025 makes it two years since I began representing Sapele Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly. Public office is public trust. I want to appreciate our Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support, and I equally thank you all for voting for me,” Umukoro declared to thunderous applause.
Highlighting his stewardship in the past two years, Umukoro stressed that he has not been a “sleeping member” in the Assembly. “I am a member of the House Committee on Health and Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. I have ensured the renovation of five health centres across Sapele Local Government Area, the upgrading of Sapele Central Hospital, and the construction of a three-classroom block at Palmer Primary School and Abeke Primary School respectively.
“Each time I return home at weekends, I go round to inspect projects our Governor is executing here in Sapele, to ensure they are properly done to standard,” he added.
On the empowerment, Umukoro explained that the ₦100,000 grant to each beneficiary was aimed at helping them grow their petty businesses and encouraging youths to embrace small-scale ventures. “This token is to boost their petty trading. Our youths should consider starting something – anything that ₦100,000 can do for them – instead of waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured constituents that the empowerment programme would be sustained and expanded in the years ahead. “This is not the end,” he said with firm resolve. “We are just getting started. You can see that this year’s empowerment is bigger than last year’s, and by the grace of God, next year’s will be even bigger and better than what we are witnessing today. My dream is to see more of our people empowered, self-reliant, and contributing to the economic growth of our constituency. We pray that Almighty God should keep us alive to do even greater things together.”
The ceremony drew prominent political leaders and stakeholders from across Sapele and beyond. Among those in attendance were Sapele Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Bright Abeke; Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ejiro Tommy Jamani; and DESOPADEC Commissioner representing Sapele, Okpe, and Ethiope West, Hon Julius Egbedi.
Others included Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon Sunny Ebereri; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Hon Benson Okorodudu, Barr Kingsley Esiso; former Delta PDP Chairman and APC leader in the state, Chief Cyril Ogodo; Chief Godwin Dadi; APC Sapele LGA Chairman, Hon Evubase Friday; Chief Margaret Unukegwho; Dr Godfrey Enita; and Hon Francis Okpigben, among others.
The leaders took turns to commend Hon Umukoro for his people-oriented projects and generous empowerment initiative. They described him as a pragmatic and result-driven legislator whose works speak volumes.
“This is a rare gesture in these times,” said Chief Cyril Ogodo. “Empowering 120 persons with ₦100,000 each is no small feat. Hon Perkins is proving that politics is about service, not self.”
Beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. Sunny Emami from Ward 3 said the cash grant would help him expand his roadside food business. “This is a life-changing opportunity. With this money, I will buy more goods,” he told newsmen.
Another beneficiary, David Ajuja from Ward 11, described the gesture as “timely and God-sent.” He said, “I have been struggling to raise capital for my phone accessories shop. This support will go a long way.”
The event ended with prayers for Hon Umukoro’s continued success and a charge to beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.
Political watchers say the empowerment adds to a growing list of constituency projects and interventions that have cemented Umukoro’s image as one of the most proactive lawmakers in Delta State.