As part of measure put in place in appreciation to the people of Edo North for standing with the Deputy Governor, despite the obvious threat and intimidation from the opposition that characterised the just concluded Edo Governorship election, the wife of the Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Mrs. Maryann Philip-Shaibu, has rolled out plans for the women.
Mrs Philip-Shaibu, who visited the six local Government areas in Edo North within the week on a ‘Thank You’ Tour, in appreciation for the encouragement and support from the people, said her thank you visit was in fulfilment of her promise to return to say thank you after the election.
“We are not ungrateful People. We are grateful and thankful for your friendship, brotherly love and commitment. We won the election because you people made it possible and we can’t ignore you as the giant of our democracy.
“You have demonstrated by your vote that you are a firm believer of Continuity because power belongs to the people.
“I can’t come to thank you and go away like that I am here to also kick-start an empowerment initiative that will be enlarged and expanded to accommodate as many who has need for such financial intervention.
“We must make a lasting impact that will transform the economic fortune of the ordinary People. Government knows your pain and the duty of Government is not to lament with you in your pain but to bring you out of every form of lamentation. Today I have come to launch an empowerment scheme that will terminate poverty and hardship from our society.
“We are establishing a scheme today for our women to have access to soft loans for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). This is to support business entrepreneurs and enable them set up and operate industrial clusters of micro, small and medium scale industries across our locality to enhance economic activities.
“We are fully aware that it is the duty of Government to foster the growth of the commerce and industry sector and promote the rapid development of the State. This empowerment initiative will chart a new path for Edo North Women to reinvigorate their ailing businesses and industries.
“We are passionate about human capital development. This can’t be achieved without harnessing our abundant natural resources and skills. With the availability of loans our heavens are open for endless possibilities,” she said.
According to her, “Elections are over. I am here to set up the scheme in Edo North. By January I will return for the massive empowerment by creating new areas of economic engagement for our people. We are determined in ensuring the even spread of industrial companies and enterprises to check population drift from the rural to urban areas, thereby promoting a balanced economic development of Edo State.
“Your vote and support for us in the last September 19th Governorship election was not a misplaced priority and we are ready to justify your vote by the wide-spread development that shall be seen across the State.
“I want to assure the people of Edo State that the next four years of the Obaseki administration will be the most eventful in the history of Edo State, in terms of economic and infrastructural development. Your support and massive votes have reawakened the Government to double their efforts in combating every challenge and meeting community interest at their point of demand.
“I welcome you all to the new era of good and purposeful governance in Edo State,” she added.
