Sheriff Junior Care Foundation, Saturday, disbursed over N170 million to 150 petty traders across Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie local government areas of Delta State as part of activities to mark the birth anniversary of its Founder and Chairman, Mr Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori.
The cash grants, given under the MORE Cash Empowerment Programme of the foundation, were presented at a colourful ceremony in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area.
The initiative provided two beneficiaries, Felix Ogheneovo and Loveth Thomas Jinadigha, with N15 million and N10 million respectively, while 148 others received N1 million each to boost their small businesses.
Speaking at the ceremony, the celebrant, Sheriff Jnr explained the inspiration behind the foundation, saying; “the Sheriff Junior Care Foundation was born not out of abundance, but out of necessity. Giving back to society is not a luxury; it is a responsibility,” he said.
He described petty traders as the “backbone of the local economy,” highlighting their roles as food vendors, hawkers, and market women who keep communities thriving. “Supporting petty traders strengthens our markets, our neighbourhoods, and our culture,” he noted.
According to him, the Sheriff Junior Care Foundation’s empowerment offers interventions in health, education, business, and career development across Delta State.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commended the Sheriff Junior Care Foundation for its commitment to grassroots economic empowerment.
Oborevwori expressed joy in his son, Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori, describing the gesture as a reflection of his values of hard work, independence, and commitment to community development and empowerment.
“I believe in hard work. It is sad to see hard working families raise children who turn out lazy. Junior and his siblings are hard working, focused, and articulate, and I give God the glory for that,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that the empowerment programme was fully funded by his son’s foundation, noting that for the past ten years, Sheriff Jnr had never sought favours from him. “This shows his independence and the values we uphold as a family,” he added.
The Governor also stressed the transformative power of education in building a progressive society, stating; “all you need to do is give them quality education.”
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, who presented dummy cheques to beneficiaries, lauded Governor Oborevwori for raising children who embody humility and hard work.
Describing the beneficiaries as “150 millionaires,” he urged them to see the grants as seeds for growth, not mere handouts, and to use their success to empower others in return.
