Hon. Paul Ogheneochuko Ego, former Special Assistant on Community Development to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, has commended Mr Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr, popularly known as Onowu, for his sustained and people-centred empowerment initiatives across Delta State.
Ego gave the commendation while reacting to recent empowerment programmes implemented under the Sheriff Jnr Care Foundation, describing the interventions as consistent, impactful, and driven by genuine concern for the welfare of youths and grassroots entrepreneurs.
According to him, the foundation’s approach reflects a long-term commitment to community development rather than short-lived publicity-driven gestures.
Ego noted that Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr has, over the years, shown a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges confronting young people and small-scale traders in the state, stressing that empowerment programmes which promote youth development, economic inclusion, and community participation are vital for building a stable and productive society.
He highlighted the foundation’s recent youth-focused initiatives, particularly the use of sports as a tool for engagement and empowerment. One of such interventions was the Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr Invitational Soccer Tournament, which brought together teams from various parts of Delta State and culminated in a grand finale held in Osubi.
At the event, 10 cars were presented to outstanding youths in recognition of excellence and commitment. Uvwie Local Government Area emerged champions after defeating Okpe Local Government Area in the final match.
The tournament, organised by the Sheriff Jnr Care Foundation, attracted a large turnout of youths, community leaders, sports enthusiasts, and notable sports personalities, transforming Osubi into a hub of unity, celebration, and positive youth engagement.
Ego described the competition as a strategic investment in youth potential, noting that sports-based empowerment promotes discipline, teamwork, and healthy social interaction, while offering young people constructive alternatives to crime and social vices.
Beyond sports, Ego also praised the foundation’s economic empowerment initiatives, particularly the disbursement of over ₦170 million to 150 petty traders across Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie local government areas under the MORE Cash Empowerment Programme.
He disclosed that two beneficiaries received ₦15 million and ₦10 million respectively, while 148 others were supported with ₦1 million each to expand and strengthen their small businesses.
According to Ego, such interventions directly boost local economies by empowering petty traders—market women, food vendors, and small-scale merchants—who form the backbone of community commerce and household livelihoods.
He further observed that the Sheriff Jnr Care Foundation’s empowerment programmes go beyond financial grants, encompassing education, health, business development, and career advancement, which he described as a holistic and sustainable model for social impact.
Ego concluded that Sheriff Oborevwori Jnr’s consistent empowerment of Deltans over the years reflects a genuine commitment to service and social responsibility, and he urged other well-meaning individuals to support initiatives that promote youth development and economic inclusion across Delta State.
