- Says Initiative Strategic Investment In Intellectual, Economic Future
BY EBI NIEKETIEN
THE Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, today, presented grants to beneficiaries of the Tertiary Entrepreneurship Programme (TEP), as part of efforts to promote youth empowerment, innovation, and job creation across the state.
The event, held at Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), was organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and brought together students from the four state-owned universities who benefited from the initiative.
Addressing participants, Oborevwori, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, said the initiative was a strategic investment in the intellectual and economic future of the state, as well as unlocking the potential of young people and preparing them for to become self-reliant.
According to him, the grants were specifically targeted at undergraduate students in their 200 and 300 levels, who were at a critical stage of transforming academic knowledge into practical and innovative solutions.
‘’This programme reflects our administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that your brilliant ideas are not just confined to laboratory notebooks or lecture halls, but are translated into tangible achievements that will drive our local economy forward before you even graduate. This grant is not a gift; it is a strategic seed planted in the fertile soil of Delta State.’’ he said.
Governor Oborevwori urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds as a stepping stone toward self-reliance, assuring them of continued government support in removing financial barriers that hinder creativity and innovation.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. ThankGod Trakiriowei, had described the initiative as a strategic intervention designed to support students in tertiary institutions who have viable business ideas but lacked the financial means to implement them.
He said the primary objective of the programme was to encourage and support students who demonstrated creativity, innovation, and strong problem solving capacity, while also bridging the gap between potential and productivity.
According to him, the vision of the programme was to raise young business leaders who will not only be self-reliant but also become employers of labour like notable Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Trakiriowei expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to youth development and for initiating programmes that create opportunities for young people.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, representative of DOU Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs, Mr. Lucky Enakirerhi, the Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Milton Sagboje, among others.
