By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
In a remarkable show of grassroots empowerment and political commitment, the President and Founder of the D-Peterson Foundation, Dr. Donald Peterson, has empowered 100 women in Ward 2 of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State with direct cash support to boost their nano- and micro-scale businesses.
The intervention, which took place amid cheers and heartfelt appreciation from beneficiaries and community members, is part of a broader initiative by Dr. Peterson to uplift vulnerable groups—especially women and youth—through sustainable economic empowerment programmes.
Dr. Peterson, who currently serves as the Special Adviser to the Delta State Government on Entrepreneurship Development, stated that the programme was designed to complement the efforts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women leaders in Ika South, who have been working tirelessly from ward to ward to assist grassroots women with business funds and to spread the party’s message of inclusion, empowerment, and development.
Speaking to journalists at the venue of the event, Dr. Peterson explained, “I am doing this to support our women leaders being coordinated by Mrs. Ogbonyori Cecilia, who are moving from ward to ward, empowering our women, and preaching the gospel of our political party. Initially, the PDP Ika South Women Leaders planned to empower only five women per ward, but we at the D-Peterson Foundation decided to up the number by an additional 100 women in Ward 2 alone so that more people can benefit. We believe that the more, the merrier.”
He emphasized the pivotal role of women in nation-building, saying, “You know the women are the bedrock of any society, and when you empower a woman, you empower a nation. This is more than just politics—it is about touching lives, creating opportunities, and building communities that can stand on their own.”
Dr. Peterson’s D-Peterson Foundation has become a household name across Delta State for its consistent, people-oriented interventions, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship, education, skills development, and welfare support. The Foundation has, over the years, initiated several training programmes for youths, sponsored community projects, and supported widows and indigent families with business grants and relief materials.
Beyond philanthropy, Dr. Peterson has made it clear that his efforts are also geared toward strengthening the political structure of the PDP, particularly in Delta State. According to him, when citizens are empowered and supported by political leaders, it builds trust and loyalty and strengthens the grassroots base of any political movement.
“Our party, the PDP, is about the people. And that is why I’m investing my personal resources through this Foundation—not just to build businesses but to build trust, to support our party’s good works in Delta, and to help the government deliver on its promises,” he noted.
He reiterated that true leadership is not measured by how much one accumulates but by how many lives one can positively touch. “Politics should not be about noise and power for its own sake,” he added. “It should be about impact. It should be about responsibility. It should be about service. That’s the legacy we’re trying to build.”
The women who benefitted from the cash support expressed their joy and appreciation. Many of them said the funds would help them expand their petty trade, start new ventures, or restock their existing businesses. Some praised Dr. Peterson as a leader with a large heart and a genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary people.
Mrs. Ogbonyori Cecilia, the coordinator of PDP Women Leaders in Ika South, commended Dr. Peterson for his unwavering support and vision. “What he has done today is beyond politics. It is a movement of love, compassion, and empowerment,” she said.
The event ended on a high note with traditional songs, prayers for Dr. Peterson, and renewed hope among the women who now see entrepreneurship not just as a dream, but as a reality within reach—thanks to a man who continues to use his platform to empower and uplift.
With ongoing plans to replicate similar interventions across other wards and local government areas, Dr. Donald Peterson remains a shining example of what it means to combine philanthropy with purpose-driven politics.
Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He is a member of #TeamPeterson. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.