PROMINENT Itsekiri leader and women activist, Chief (Mrs) Rita Lori-Ogbebor yesterday in Warri gave out cheques worth N6 million to six women cooperatives on behalf of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, DESOPADEC, saying that, "Today is my happiest day because it marked the realisation of my ten years struggle to better the lives of women in my constituency."

Presenting the cheques to the women groups, she charged them to use the money judiciously, reminding them of the long and arduous journey to the realization of their dream.

The social crusader who charged them not to fight over the money appealed to those who did not benefit from this first batch to remain dedicated to the cause of championing discrimination of all kind promising that as DESOPADEC releases money to her she would promptly disburse same according to the approved list.

She said DESOPADEC is her baby and therefore she facilitated the processing of the micro-credit loan, stating that her long years of struggle for 13% derivation has started yielding fruit for the masses and commended the Executive Chairman of DESOPADEC for being a listening man with the interest of the poor masses at heart.

The six benefiting cooperative groups are the Olueyen Multi-Purpose Cooperative, MPC; Ebiren Iwere MPC; Iwere Development MPC; Oboro Agro-Allied MPC; Wgwaoritse MPC and Ogiene MPC respectively.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting groups made up of ten to thirteen persons, Mrs. Felicia Okome thanked Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor for her generous assistance and leadership role in Itsekiri land promising that the women will always stand by her.