The Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Auro Tobine, has launched the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP), an empowerment initiative aimed at supporting residents across the council area.
In a statement issued on Monday by the state government, about 400 people drawn from various communities in the LGA were selected as beneficiaries of the programme. Persons living with disabilities were also included as part of the administration’s commitment to human capacity development.
During the event held at the council secretariat, Mr Tobine presented a symbolic cheque of ₦60 million, representing grants to be distributed to the beneficiaries. Items distributed under the scheme included fishing boats, trading boats, paddles, fishing nets and other fishing equipment to support local fishermen and traders.
Beneficiaries who had undergone training in soap production also received starter packs and financial support, while market women were provided with grants to boost their businesses. Mr Tobine said the initiative aligned with the “Renewed Hope” agenda and reflected his administration’s determination to improve the welfare and economic prospects of residents.
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To ensure transparency, he asked beneficiaries to remain after the ceremony so their bank accounts could be credited accordingly. Speaking at the event, Linda Stewart-Somiari, Deputy Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly and member representing Okrika Constituency, presented the items to the beneficiaries.
Kazaih Moses from the Ogoloma community received the fishing equipment on behalf of the fishermen, while Madam Gladys Sotonye represented beneficiaries of the trading boats and soap-making support. Asikiye Tamunopubo also received items during the presentation.
Mr Stewart-Somiari urged the beneficiaries to put the support to productive use, noting that the assistance was designed to improve productivity and provide sustainable livelihoods for them and their families.
Some stakeholders in the LGA also encouraged the recipients to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the programme .In addition, Deinma Iyalla, a former state commissioner, donated ₦20,000 each to beneficiaries involved in skill acquisition, complementing the support provided by the council.
