By Austin Ogwuda
ASABA—EXECUTIVE Assistant to the Governor on Micro Credit Programme, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, said yesterday that the recent oil spillage at Chevron yard in Ekpan could have snowballed into another round of restiveness in the area but for the timely intervention of the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

She lamented that the spillage caused a lot of havoc as several fish ponds in the area were devastated, leading to unquantifiable losses.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Asaba, yesterday, Ashiedu said  although the situation had been brought under control, “the micro credit programme under which these farmers got the loan is dear to the Governor’s heart and he  is on  it. I can tell you that he (Governor) is taking the matter to very high quarters.

“The programme has helped  promote the government’s three-point agenda across the state. For instance, on the agenda of peace and security, Uvwie Local Government Area was once known for youth restiveness and volatility.

However, through micro-credit delivery to fish farmers at Ekpan fish farm estate in Uvwie, many youths are now engaged in income generating activities. As a result, Uvwie is now the benchmark for aquaculture in Delta State.

Presently, there are over 3,00 fish farmers and over 8,600 fish ponds”, she said. She added “from inception of the Progamme in December 14, 2007, to April 30 2010, a total of 51,391 persons comprising 32,499 women and 18,892 men were empowered in various micro enterprises.”