Gov. Okowa Gives Succour to the Ibusa PwD Sisters

The all-inclusive leadership style of the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was once again brought to bear with the empowerment of a family of five sisters living with disabilities through the state government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP).

Presenting starter packs to two members of the family, Chinedu Okolie and Amana Okolie on behalf of the state government at their family compound at Ogbeowelle Quarters, Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area, the Coordinator-STEP, Mr Onyeisi Nkenchor, said their engagement in the STEP programme is a demonstration of Gov. Okowa’s commitment to taking youths off the streets into meaningful enterprises.

He pointed out that a total number of 3,069 youths have benefitted from the Job Creation Scheme through the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), out of which 81 one of them are Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

He emphasized that these facts are proofs of Governor Okowa’s all-inclusive leadership style to engage youths meaningfully irrespective of status, whether physically challenged or not. 

He recalled that the Governor has responded promptly to Linda Okolie’s call for government’s assistance to her family.

According to him, “At the Governor’s Town Hall Meeting at Akwukwu-Igbo last year, Linda Okorie solicited that they should be included in the STEP programme for PwDs. True to type, our Governor promised to interview and in fulfilment of that promise, we are all gathered here to witness the presentation of starter packs to them.”

“It will interest you to know that the Okolie sisters, namely Chinedu, Amana, Franca, Rita and Linda have successfully trained themselves in Fashion Design & Tailoring and in Hairdressing and Makeover. As a result, Chinedu (Fashion) and Amana (Hairdressing) were enrolled for a refresher course in the Brown STEP to improve their proficiency. Like their counterparts, they are being presented their starter packs today and will begin to enjoy what others are enjoying,” he stressed.

Responding on behalf of his siblings, Linda Okolie, expressed their gratitude to the state Governor for the wonderful works he is doing in the state, especially for coming to their aid, the family of 5 physically challenged sisters,  praying God to bless him.

Also speaking, a member of the extended family, Madam Comfort Okolie, who expressed shock over the Governor’s magnanimity commended him for the training and the starter packs presented to her orphaned nieces, stressing that this singular act is a clear indication that Governor Okowa is a governor for all.

Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh
Communication Officer
Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer