Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is working tirelessly to create a peaceful and prosperous environment where citizens of the state will thrive in their various endeavours.
Secretary to the Edo State Government SSG, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, disclosed this in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo State at a ceremony where hundreds of citizens benefitted from his philanthropic gesture.
Governor Okpebholo, had said in his inaugural speech during his swearing in, that his government would support market women, small businesses with soft loans and also youths to acquire relevant skills for self-empowerment.
Buttressing the governor’s position, the SSG reaffirmed his life-long commitment to poverty alleviation and community development as hundreds of people from the 10 wards of Esan Local Government Area received life-changing empowerment tools.
Ikhilor empowered the people with motorcycles, sewing, grinding and welding machines which is part of the focus of the Okpebholo-led administration to support small businesses and enhancing self-reliance across the state.
The SSG said: “As someone who is not a career politician and a man of few words, my philanthropic journey began long ago with the mission of assisting people.
“Today’s empowerment programme reflects my unwavering commitment to creating opportunities that uplift lives and foster a more dignified existence for all.”
He urged those who are yet to benefit from any empowerment initiatives to exercise patience. He assured that Governor Monday Okpebholo is working tirelessly to create a peaceful and prosperous environment for all.
The programme coordinator, Hon. Henshaw Oligbi, emphasised that Barr. Ikhilor’s philanthropic legacy preceded his recent appointment, highlighting his longstanding commitment to service.
“Over the years, Barr. Ikhilor has spearheaded notable projects such as building a new mosque in his village, Ujabhole, modernising the central mosque in Irrua, awarding scholarships to students in secondary and Tertiary Institutions,” he recalled.
A beneficiary, Mr Lucky Ejabhayo from Ward 10, Ugbegun, said he has been hearing of the philanthropic gesture of Barr. Ikhilor. He appreciated his efforts and promised to utilise the opportunity to change his life and that of his family.
Other guests at the occasion included APC Esan Central Leader, Prince Willy Shaka Momodu; chairman of APC Esan Central Local Government Area, Hon. Rawlins Ason Ekeoba and Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), Chief Stainless Ijeghede among others.
