In a powerful demonstration of grassroots leadership and youth-centered governance, the Member representing Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, has once again empowered a fresh batch of young entrepreneurs through his monthly Business Support Grants Scheme. 

The initiative, which disbursed grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000, is designed to provide inclusive economic opportunities, strengthen small businesses, and accelerate socio-economic development across Esan communities. This latest installment underscores Okojie’s steadfast commitment to his campaign promise of lifting youths through business funding and capacity building.  

Beneficiaries and community leaders lauded the programme, describing it as a tangible dividend of democracy and a clear reflection of Okojie’s hands-on approach to constituency development. Among those who received support in this round were Christopher Eloh, Lucky Okojie, Ebudo Saturday, Omonla Odion, Oboh Godfrey, Ugberaese Monday, Oku Richard, Okoebor Osas, Oseyi Jeremiah, Kingsley Ayeobore, Akahomen Idenhor, and Ajonota William, all of whom expressed optimism about leveraging the grants to expand their enterprises and contribute to local economic growth.  

Beyond youth empowerment, constituents may also recall that Hon. Okojie recently embarked on a legacy project of a scale typically reserved for state governments. Over the weekend, he inspected the ongoing works at Our Lady’s of Lourdes Girls’ Grammar School, Uromi, facilitated under the auspices of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC). The project, now at about 95% completion, reflects exceptional diligence by contractors and is poised to significantly enhance the quality of learning and educational experience for students.  

The initiative encompasses the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a state-of-the-art Science Laboratory Building; the construction and equipping of a modern ICT Building; renovation and furnishing of two blocks of seven classrooms each; supply and installation of three 10KVA inverter systems; provision of a borehole and overhead tank; installation of solar street lights; and external works including a gatehouse, gate, and erosion control measures. Collectively, these interventions are set to transform the school into a model of educational excellence.  

Hon. Okojie explained that his motivation for championing the project stems from reflections on his own childhood and the profound impact the institution has had on countless girls who have passed through its doors, many of whom have become icons of resilience and achievement in their communities and careers. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue advocating for transformative projects that yield lasting impacts on the lives of his constituents, pledging to persist in lobbying for initiatives that nurture educational excellence and foster opportunities for future generations.  

“Through procedural leadership in the petroleum sector and grassroots interventions like the Business Grant Support Scheme, Operation Light Up Agbazilo, and various infrastructural projects, Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie continues to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to the people,” one stakeholder affirmed.  

The lawmaker, reaffirming his developmental agenda, pledged to sustain the monthly youth-focused grants until a broad and impactful reach is achieved during his legislative tenure. Already, the scheme is building momentum, with beneficiaries noting that the initiative is not only transforming their businesses but also inspiring confidence in the future of Edo’s youth economy.  

A major highlight of the event was the unanimous Vote of Confidence passed on Hon. Okojie by constituents, who urged other political office holders to emulate his exemplary leadership traits and people-centered initiatives. With each installment of the Business Support Grants Scheme and legacy projects like the Uromi school rehabilitation, Hon. Okojie continues to bridge the gap between national legislative responsibilities and local empowerment, cementing his legacy as a visionary lawmaker dedicated to uplifting his people.