Senator Akon Eyakenyi (L) presenting a cheque for N50,000 to a beneficiary on behalf of Nigeria’s First Lady.
By Anietie Akpan
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu under its Economic Empowerment Recapitalization Programme, has empowered 1000 petty traders in Akwa Ibom State with N50,000 grants to boost their capacity.
The event, according to a press statement from the Media Unit, Office of the Wife of Governor, Akwa Ibom State, took place simultaneously across the nation on Thursday, August 22, held in Uyo at the Banquet Hall of Government House and saw each of the business women, go home with the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira only as Business Recapitalization Grants
The First Lady who was represented at the event by the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the empowerment programme was part of her continued commitment “to better lives in the family units, stating that through the provision of grants, women who are harshly impacted by the ongoing economic reforms in the country would be able to navigate through the challenges faced”.
She noted that over a billion naira has been earmarked for distribution to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation for business expansion and growth, saying economic empowerment remains a cardinal objective of RHI.
Senator Tinubu who charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds received, described them as “the heart of the local economy”, stating that more women would be captured in subsequent batches.
“To the 1000 women petty traders who are the beneficiaries of this programme, I say, you are the heart of our local economies, the foundation of our communities and the unsung heroes of our nation. You have shown incredible resilience in overcoming countless challenges to build your businesses. Today, we celebrate your hard work and determination,” she said.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, in his remarks thanked Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the initiative which he said is geared at fostering successful families through agriculture.
A cross section of beneficiaries at the ceremony.
He added that the empowerment programme for petty traders was a step in the right path as it will go a long way in redefining economic development and prosperity in the state.
While noting that the empowerment programme aligns with the ARISE Agenda of his administration, Governor Eno said his administration places high premium on agriculture, and that it has made available a two-billion-naira facility for traders to access, stating that this would ensure food production and security in the state.
On her part, the Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor and Coordinator of the RHI in the state, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, noted that the renewed hope initiatives have brought new enthusiasm to petty traders, with many expressing their desire to expand their businesses and create positive impacts on their families.
This, she said, will ultimately strengthen family bonds and unite the community.
Represented by the State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, the Governor’s Wife commended Governor Eno led administration for ensuring that the RHI is implemented in the State, with additional juicy packages to support and better the lots of the elderly and vulnerable cluster in Akwa Ibom.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mercy Udofia Udo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President’s Wife for selecting them to receive this kind gesture.
She said that the grant will enable them to expand their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and relieve their families from the burden of borrowing from LAPO (Local Alternative Financing Organizations). The initiative will also contribute to the growth of their economy, leading to a better quality of life for them and their families.
Highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of a cheque for fifty thousand Naira only to each to a few beneficiaries by the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor.
