Hon. Maclean Uranta, Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro local government area of Rivers State, says his council is implementing a holistic programme to empower women in the area by instituting a microfinance facility to liberate them from poverty and want.
The chairman who paid a “Thank You” visit to members of Opubo Dynamic Association (ODA) recently during its meeting, said having identified the areas of need for intervention, he has recommended seventeen women of the association to be empowered in their daily occupation.
Hon. Uranta told over 80 men and women, members of ODA that gathered that his council is fair to women, adding that the council “is going through a painstaking process of identifying women in their areas of need before money is disbursed” and hoped that the beneficiaries would judiciously utilize the opportunity offered them. “The council’s searchlight is still beaming on other members to identify their needs,” he emphasized.
He stated also that his council would ensure that the harmonious relationship existing between the association and the council is sustained throughout his tenure.
The chairman who observed that ODA and the council worked towards the same objective, thanked the people for giving him adequate support during the elections.
Earlier in his speech, the president of ODA Hon. Afin Opusunju, observed that Hon. Uranta has been part and parcel of ODA, recalling that key roles he had played. He urged members to give commesurable support to his administration.
In her vote of thanks, the Women Leader of the Association, Mrs. Blessing Epelle, disclosed that some issues concerning the association were yet to be addressed by the local government area boss and expressed optimism that they would be placed on his table for ratification.
Mrs. Epelle thanked the chairman for honouring the women with such wonderful financial assistance and pledged the loyalty of members to him, saying that the empowerment would give the recipients the sense of belonging. ###
Senibo A. A. Cookey
