Delta South Senatorial District was awash with excitement on Monday as Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing the district at the National Assembly, empowered over 1,000 constituents in a grand event held at the Oleh Township Stadium, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State. The empowerment program, described as one of the largest in recent times, also saw the distribution of 7,750 bags of rice to constituents as part of the yuletide celebrations.
The items distributed included 150 cassava grating machines, 230 grinding machines, 170 deep freezers, 50 sewing machines, 200 cutlasses, 200 safety boots, 200 hand gloves, 200 insecticides, 200 herbicides, 200 knapsacks, 250 life jackets, 250 fishing nets, 500 fishing hooks, 10 outboard engines, and 60 starter packs for those trained in various skills.
During the event, Senator Joel-Onowakpo reaffirmed his commitment to alleviating the economic hardships faced by his constituents, attributing the challenges to the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that these reforms aim to address years of economic decay and reposition Nigeria for greatness.
“This is the fifth empowerment program we have organized since I assumed office 18 months ago,” the senator said. “It has become necessary to support our people during these challenging times. Though I officially began serving as your senator in November 2023 after prolonged litigation, my mandate has been focused on improving lives and creating opportunities.”
Senator Joel-Onowakpo highlighted his achievements within his tenure, including the appointment of 280 aides across the senatorial district, with over N25 million paid monthly to support governance and ensure effective oversight.
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also listed key projects influenced during his tenure, such as the construction of ICT centers, electrification projects, rural roads, health center upgrades, and skill acquisition centers in various towns, including Emede, Aviara-Irri, Ozoro, and Bomadi. Emergency road repairs in Ellu, Olomoro, and Koko, as well as solar light installations in Gbaramatu, Bibopere, and Patani, were among the numerous initiatives undertaken.
The senator emphasized the importance of constituency projects, noting their role in complementing executive efforts to address the needs of the people. “Constituency projects are crucial because they enable legislators to directly impact the lives of their constituents. I am grateful to President Tinubu for prioritizing these initiatives.”
Urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment opportunities, he assured those yet to benefit that their turn would come in subsequent programs. “This is an ongoing exercise,” he said. “For those who have not received anything yet, rest assured that we have taken note, and your time will come.”
Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s efforts have drawn widespread praise from Delta South residents, with many commending his dedication to improving the welfare of his constituents. The empowerment drive has not only uplifted thousands of lives but has also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy.
