The Dcn. Tonlagha Joseph-led executive council of Kenyagbene community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has empowered beneficiaries consisting of small-scale entrepreneurs as it kickstarts the maiden edition of its empowerment programme to help ameliorate the hardship experienced by inhabitants of the riverine community.

The first of its kind empowerment initiative, which was organised by the Kenyagbene exco, held in the community town hall on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme were gifted fishing nets and cash gifts by the exco in a ceremony that was witnessed by community elders Chief Anthony Igere (the Amadiwei), Joel Ogoba, John Ogoba, John Wariyai, Sele Ogida among others in attendance.

Those who were beneficiaries of fishing nets are Mr. Robert Okorugbo and Mr. Freeborn Imeleye (from Oboro quarters), Madam Agnes and Madam Apu Wariyai (from Bralabor quarters), Mr. Yirimene Saniyo and Madam Flora (from Gbajor quarters), and Madam Rose and African Don William (strangers)

Those who received cash gift of N50,000k (fifty thousand naira) each are Madam Ebi Egbelekumor and Madam Hannah (from Oboro quarters), Madam Faith and Madam Queen (from Gbajor quarters), and Madam Blessing and Madam Comfort (from Bralabor quarters).

According to the chairman of Kenyabene, Dcn. Tonlagha, the empowerment programme is their own way (as executives) of lessening the hardship faced by inhabitants of the community.

"Rather than give them money, we decided to give them enablement to encourage them in their various trades and to reduce the challenges brought about by the downturn in the economy. Before our tenure ends we hope to also assist more of our people," he said.

Speaking on the development, the Amadiwei of Kenyagbene, Chief Igere said, "This is a welcome development and it is something that has not happened before. I give kudos to the chairman and his exco members.

"Definitely everybody cannot benefit at once now. But as time goes on, when better things come, we will respond to those who did not benefit in the first phase of the empowerment initiative," he assured.

The Amadiwei urged other communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom to borrow leaf from the Kenyagbene excos especially at a time as this when living life is becoming difficult due to the current hardship.

"I urge other communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom to emulate the Joseph Tonlagha-led exco that did this on their own voluntary will without any company or government effort, so as to see that the less privilege in the community can do something to support themselves and provide for their family."

Other members of the Dcn Tonlagha-led Kenyagbene community exco are Mr Ojogun Derrick Preye (Vice Chairman), Comr Imoudu Akhigbe (Secretary General), Engr. Bibogha Victor (Public Relations Officer), Miss Wariyai Jebba Peres (Treasurer), Miss Sinwah Pina (Financial Secretary), Mr Isede Dennis (Assistant Secretary General), Mr Imeleye Joko (Assistant P.R.O.), Mr Kins Gabriel (Social Secretary), Mrs Akafawei Stella (Assistant Financial Secretary), Mr Wuruyai Tam Godspower (Auditor) and Mrs Tete Eden (Chief Whip).

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