House of Reps Member empowers constituents with ICT training, farming programs, start-up kits in Delta

Labour Party House of Representatives Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, as part of his commitment to bringing the dividends of democracy to his constituencies Wednesday launched a series of empowerment programs aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for his constituents.

The Our Lady High School Effurun, venue of the program was a beehive of activities with gaily dressed constituents in joyous mood.

Speaking at the commissioning of the ICT center built from scratch, Etanabene emphasized the shift from short-term solutions to long-term empowerment. 

“It is my desire to bring the dividends of democracy to the grassroots in my constituency. 

"We want to move away from the practice of giving out stipends that last less than 24 hours. Instead, we are creating opportunities that people can leverage to better their lives and those of their families,” he said.

The newly built ICT center is a hub for training young people in modern skills such as computer literacy and sewing. 

"Today, we have a batch undergoing training. The goal is not just to teach them but also to provide them with jobs afterward. We want the knowledge gained to translate into a sustainable livelihood.

“We are providing them with tools and jobs that will help them earn a living. They will be sewing uniforms for secondary and primary schools, aprons for sanitation workers, and even for market women. This is a long-term program that will support their families for years to come,” he stated.

In addition to ICT training, Etanabene introduced a sewing program aimed at empowering young men and women.

Beneficiaries will receive sewing machines, start-up kits, and contracts to sew uniforms for local schools and aprons for sanitation workers. 

Beside skills training, the lawmaker also launched a farming initiative that targets over 1,000 beneficiaries. 

The program supports farmers with seeds and essential materials, enabling them to produce food from the "fingerling stage to the table." 

He revealed that the government would buy the produce from the farmers, ensuring profitability. "We want to empower our farmers, and we are committed to providing them with everything they need, from seeds to marketing opportunities. We are targeting 1,000 farmers in this phase, and the next batch will expand further,” he said.

Etanabene called on beneficiaries to take the program seriously as ait is  lifetime opportunity that could end the cycle of poverty. “Poverty alleviation is not about handouts. It’s about equipping people with the skills and resources to sustain themselves. Begging for N1,000 or N10,000 will take you nowhere. This program is a way out, and I encourage everyone to make the most of it,” he urged.

As part of the initial phase, the lawmaker distributed 41 sewing machines and 31 laptops to the beneficiaries, underscoring his commitment to continuous support. “Politics or no politics, we are committed to sustaining this initiative.