The federal government has empowered 1,000 women petty traders in Edo State with ₦50 million grant aimed at alleviating poverty.
Each beneficiary receiving a grant of ₦50,000 from the fund was disbursed through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) pet project of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady on Friday.
The event was marked by a wave of gratitude from the beneficiaries, many of whom shared their stories of hardship and hope.
Mrs Betsy Obaseki, First Lady of Edo State, presented the cheques to beneficiaries at Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central Council Secretariat of Edo State on behalf of project initiator, Senator Tinubu.
Delivering her goodwill message on the occasion, Mrs Obaseki stated that the initiative is part of a broader nationwide programme aimed at supporting 37,000 women across all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory.
The goal, according to her is to provide financial backing to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those run by women, who are often the backbone of local economies.
She highlighted the crucial role that women play in fostering economic growth and sustaining their Communities and lauded the resilience and determination of the women traders, for their support to their families despite numerous challenges.
“We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies.
“These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.
“Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.
“A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1,850,0000,000.00) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation.
“The grants provided today is to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.”
Mrs. Josephine Orhibabhor, one of the recipients, described the grant as a divine intervention, stating, “This grant is God’s intervention in my life. My six children and I have been struggling to survive. May God bless the First Lady of Nigeria.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Irabor Augusta, expressed her joy, saying, “May God bless the First Lady of Nigeria. I am glad to be one of the petty traders selected. This money will go a long way in helping my tomatoes business.”
Mrs. Anna Isibor shared her experience, recalling how others doubted the possibility of receiving the grant, but now, she sees it as a blessing.
“When they asked people to write their names, some were laughing, saying nothing would come of it. But today, God has sent the First Lady of Nigeria to help me through this hardship”, she said.
Also speaking, Egbhor Felicia, a beneficiary of the gesture, offered a prayer for the First Lady and the President, saying, “May the First Lady and her husband, the President, continue to have the wisdom they need to lead the country successfully.”
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