...as Dafinone empowers Delta Central youths with sewing machine, pos machines and Cash gifts
Warri — It was a carnival-like atmosphere at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Hall in Warri, Delta State on Sunday, as over 1000 youths from Delta Central, with Chief Hope Ejiro, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Community Development, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone for a second term in office.
The well-attended empowerment and youth engagement programme witnessed a massive turnout of young people from the eight local government areas of Delta Central. The endorsement came in the form of a motion of confidence passed by legislative leaders from several local government councils in the Senatorial District citing the outstanding performance of the trio in office.
Leading the motion was Hon. Rire Obueruomo, leader of the Uvwie Legislative House, with Hon. Emmanuel Emosoja, leader of the Ethiope East Legislative House seconding.
“These leaders have proven their worth through developmental strides and direct engagement with the grassroots. We hereby pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone and endorse them for a second term,” Obueruomo declared.
Senator Dafinone, in his keynote address, emphasized his commitment to effective representation and grassroots empowerment. “I called this program ‘engagement’ because my job is to provide service to my constituents. This program is not about who voted or not, but about every Urhobo son and daughter. My door is open,” he said.
He expressed concern over underutilized federal recruitment slots, particularly in the military and paramilitary services, and urged young people to take advantage of upcoming recruitment drives. “There have been complaints that slots for Delta Central go unfilled. I want to make sure we don't lose those opportunities again. This engagement will ensure your data is collected and you are informed through your local leaders,” Dafinone added.
To support economic empowerment, over 100 youths received POS machines along with N50,000 each as startup capital. Additionally, young women were presented with sewing machines after completing vocational training in Lagos. The Senator also encouraged youths interested in military and paramilitary careers to register through his office.
“Some months ago, I trained over 300 people in fishing and farming. Unfortunately, some sold their equipment immediately after the programme. I urge beneficiaries to be committed; don’t waste someone else’s future,” the senator said, appealing for responsible use of the support provided.
Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service and member representing OSU Federal Constituency, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, lauded Senator Dafinone's grassroots-driven approach. “Senator Dafinone said his doors are open, and indeed they are. We must continue to pray for and support our leaders, especially when they bring development to our doorsteps,” Ighrakpata noted.
Among the dignitaries present were Uvwie Local Government Chairman, Hon. Anthony Ofoni; Chief of Staff to the Senator, Chief Barr. Adelabu Borjor; and Hon. Ramsey Onoyake, who all commended the senator’s inclusive leadership and called for continuous support for the Tinubu-led administration and the state government.
In a touching moment, Senator Dafinone was presented with a performance award by councillors in appreciation of his impactful work at the Red Chamber, particularly in the area of youth empowerment and federal job facilitation.
Beneficiaries who spoke to reporters expressed gratitude for the programme. Ufuoma Ovie from Ethiope East said, “I never thought I could start a business this year. Today, I received a sewing machine. "I thank Senator Dafinone for remembering us.” Forstina Ekidiaga from Uvwie added, “I was trained in fashion design and got a sewing machine today. I will never forget this day. I’m proud to be Urhobo.”
Chief Hope Ejiro, who coordinated the event, explained the significance of engaging the youths directly. “This is a demonstration of leadership that listens and acts. Our people want access, and today they have seen that their leaders are within reach,” he said.
The event reaffirmed the political strength of Delta Central and the widespread grassroots support for its current representatives. With 554 communities across the 24 Urhobo kingdoms participating in such programmes, the endorsement carries weight as the region gears up for the next electoral season.
