Ukpa Ewa
Dunukofia Local Government Area has empowered 1,083 petty traders across local markets in the area under a programme tagged “Nkwado Ndi Afia Table”.
The financial support initiative is aimed at boosting small scale businesses and alleviating poverty.
During the flag-off ceremony, the Chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Chijioke Ozumba, emphasized the need to uplift the most economically vulnerable in the society.
“These are the people who truly need support. We are particularly focused on empowering women and petty traders to help them expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” he stated.
Ozumba also announced the commencement of two other key initiatives, aimed at promoting wellness and self-sustenance in the community.
“These are the Dunukofia Literary Rebirth, designed to encourage reading among the youth and the Healthy Living Exercise and Farm.
He said the programme was executed by the Dunukofia Local Government Council with support from philanthropists, including Prince Arthur Eze.
“Our goal is to empower these 1,083 families so that they in turn, can uplift others in the society,”
Ozumba added, noting that a second phase of the empowerment initiative is already in the pipeline.
Call for judicious use
Flagging off the event, the Wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, encouraged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.
“It’s not about how much is given, but how it is managed. This money should be used to support your families, train your children and grow your businesses.
“Show honesty and trustworthiness so that more people will be willing to support you in the future ” Soludo advised.
Dignitaries on the occasion included: the Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi (SAN), Chairperson of Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi, APGA Chieftain, Dr. John Olibie, and APGA Woman Leader in Dunukofia, Mrs. Ngozi Atunalu.
They all commended the initiative and pledged their continued support for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
Mrs. Atunalu specifically stated that each petty trader received ₦50,000 to grow their businesses.
“These are traders who display their goods on tables in the market now they have a means to scale their trade and support their families”.
She restated the local Government support for Governor Soludo.
Beneficiaries of the scheme, including Mrs. Francisca Nwoye and Mrs. Jacinta Maduka, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the assistance.
“This money will help me restock my business—I can now buy more melon, vegetables, rice, and other items to sell in the market,” one of them said.
