On July 6, 2025, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, brought joy to hundreds of youths across the eight local government areas in the district. The empowerment program, held in Urhobo land, aimed to equip young people with tools for economic growth and self-sufficiency.
The program featured two key components:
1. POS Terminal Empowerment: One hundred selected beneficiaries received POS terminals along with a startup grant of ₦50,000 each. This initiative is expected to empower youths to start their own businesses and improve their financial stability.
2. Fashion and Design Training: Eight selected females from the local government areas underwent training in fashion and design. To support their newfound skills, they were presented with sewing machines and other essential facilities.
During the program, forms for several Federal Government agency recruitments were distributed to youths in the district, further enhancing their opportunities for growth and development.
Senator Dafinone emphasized the importance of utilizing these empowerment tools effectively to improve their lives and families. He assured the youths that his office is always open and accessible to all sons and daughters of Urhobo extraction, encouraging them to reach out for support and guidance.
Special guest, Olorogun Ejiro Ayomide, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development and a grassroots mobilizer, also addressed the beneficiaries. As the Youth Leader of the U-3 (Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South), he encouraged the youths to make judicious use of the empowerment received, ensuring it yields positive outcomes for their lives and communities.
The event culminated in a vote of confidence for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone, demonstrating the appreciation and support of the people in the district for their leaders.
This empowerment program is a testament to Senator Dafinone's commitment to the development and well-being of his constituents.
Senator Ede Dafinone reiterated his commitment to the progress of Delta Central. He stated that his office remains open and accessible to all constituents of Delta Central, as he continues to pursue greater achievements and empowerment initiatives for his people.
As part of the empowerment program, Senator Dafinone distributed sewing machines to selected individuals in Delta Central to support their careers in fashion design and tailoring. He also provided Point of Sale (POS) machines along with ₦50,000 each to help beneficiaries start smart POS businesses and generate sustainable income. According to the Senator, "the more you go, the more you achieve."
Senator Ede Dafinone, popularly known as "The Empowerment Senator," continues to create job opportunities by facilitating the distribution of employment data forms for the registration of constituents seeking jobs in various government agencies through his recommendation.
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
In appreciation of his efforts, the youth of Delta Central passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ede Dafinone and endorsed his re-election bid for 2027.
