By John Oghojafor
In continuation of his ‘Thank You” and appreciation tour to his constituents, the Senator representing Delta Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senator (Barr.) Ovie Omo-Agege has on Saturday doled out N11 million cash to over 550 youths and women in Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Presenting the individual envelopes containing N20,000 to each beneficiary made up of 200 commercial motorcyclists, 100 petty traders in Jigbale market and 100 traders in Ubogo market – all in Udu Local Government Area, the Senator explained that the purpose was to show appreciation for their votes which got him elected as well as their continued support for him, adding that it was just to say ‘thank you’ to them.
Also in Effurun market in Uvwie Local Government Area, the Senator gave out a total of N3 million to 150 traders to enable them boost their petty businesses, adding that it was to appreciate them for their support during his election.
It would be recalled that Senator Omo-Agege also doled out over N8 million empowerment to 400 constituents in Ughelli about two weeks ago.
A cross section of the beneficiaries of the Senator’s empowerment who spoke to The New Diplomat, expressed happiness with the cash gift, even as they thanked the Senator for his kind gesture. Madam Comfort Onose who sells tomatoes and pepper in Jigbale market in Udu, while fielding questions with newsmen, thanked Senator Omo-Agege, praying that God should bless him abundantly for the gesture. “We have not seen this before. For a politician, a Senator for that matter to come to meet us in the market and give us money is indeed unprecedented. I pray that God should bless him for this kind gesture”, she said.
At Jigbale and Ubogo markets, the beneficiaries burst into jubilation songs, praising Senator Omo-Agege for the cash gifts at this time of recession.
Fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the disbursement in Ubogo market, Senator Omo-Agege stated that he chose to reach to the grassroots to boost their petty businesses as a way of appreciation to them.
“That is why I chose to assist those who are weakest in the link. These are people who sell tomatoes in the market, who sell pepper in the market and who sell iced fish in the market. On any given day their total stock is not more than N5,000. So, I felt that no matter how small, if I were to give that to them it will help in boosting their petty business”, he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Omo-Agege has scheduled to continue his ‘Thank You’ tour to Sapele Local Government Area as the next port of call.
