-By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh:

Merit Obarakpor hails from Ethiope East LGA. She has a B.Sc. in Economics. She was unemployed until she enrolled into the 2018/2019 STEP cycle of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme. She was trained and established in Fashion Design and Tailoring. She is now the CEO of Merit NY Concept, Warri. In spite of all odds, she is focused and determined to succeed. She shares her testimony.

“Business is good and thriving. I acquired two industrial and three manual sewing machines. I bought a weaving machine too. I enjoy good patronage and it is quite rewarding.

“Since establishment, I have trained four persons. I currently have two trainees and one employee. I make enough money monthly to cater for my needs and those of my siblings who are now my responsibility.

“I have diversified into event planning to increase my streams of income. STEP lightened my path; it is my dream come true. It made me a business owner. With STEP, I overcame my limitations.”