The Federal Government has disbursed more than N1.2 billion in grants and loans to 24,104 beneficiaries across Delta State under its Presidential Grant and Loan Scheme.
Speaking during a town hall sensitisation event in Asaba, the state’s capital, on Friday, the State Focal Person for the scheme, Dr. Isioma Okonta, praised the initiative for its significant impact on the people of Delta.
“The programme is working, and many people from across the state have received their N50,000 grants,” Okonta said. “I want to thank the government for the town hall sensitisation and advise those who have not received their grants to be patient—it will come.”
He further disclosed that out of the N200 billion approved nationwide for the scheme, Delta State beneficiaries had received N1,205,150,000.
Additional Loan Opportunities
Mr. Moses Nega, a representative of the Bank of Industry in Delta, confirmed the figures and noted that while the application window for the N50,000 nano-business support grant has closed, opportunities remain open for other schemes. These include a N75 billion MSMEs fund and a N75 billion manufacturing sector fund, both offering loans at a nine percent interest rate.
State Government Collaboration
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Service, and Girl Child Development, Orode Uduaghan, commended the Federal Government for the initiative. He highlighted its potential to transform the state’s economy and improve livelihoods.
The governor also called for intensified grassroots sensitisation, urging the use of accessible communication methods to ensure wider understanding of the programmes. He encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage the single-digit interest loans to expand their businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the state and the nation.
“The collaboration between the Federal and State Governments on these schemes has positively impacted over 24,103 individuals in Delta,” Oborevwori stated, emphasizing the importance of using the funds effectively to build sustainable businesses.
