81 petty traders, artisans empowered with N21m in Anambra community

By Madu Obi

A group of chiefs in Nnobi, Idemili South local government area of Anamabra State under the aegis of Special Title Holders of Nnobi, has empowered 81petty traders and artisans of the community with N21 million in the spirit of think home philosophy being promoted by the state government.

The beneficiaries were made up of fifty one market women and thirty youths selected from various quarters of Nnobi with the aim of supporting their businesses.

From the total of N21million, Each of the thirty youths received N500,000, while each of the fifty one market women received N100,000.

The traditional ruler of Nnobi, Igwe Nick Obi who commended the chiefs, blessed the beneficiaries and advised them to use the seed money judiciously.

President of the Special Title Holders, Chief Obinna Ufudo while, explaining the reason for the empowerment, said the initiative was born out of the desire to assist those who had already established businesses to grow them.

The gesture, he explained, shifted from the usual distribution of food items that could not be invested to assist business growth of that category of people.

Another member of the group, Chief Jude Anyichie said the empowerment would enable the beneficiaries have a sustainable business expansion.

"We decided that instead of giving them fish all the time, it is better to teach them how to catch fish. We helped them in what they are doing with a total of N21million.

We have a programme in place to teach them financial management and how to handle the issues of profit and loss in business and to increase their business capacity, "he explained.

Also speaking, Chief Hamilton Ezeonu observed that what the group had done would in no small measure help the growth of Nnobi economy.

Ezeonu said: "We pray that those who were empowered will channel the money to make profits.

The criterion for selection is that you must have something doing as business. The essence is to make many people busy to look away from crime. This is just the beginning and the number will be increased next year. We are trying to grow the economy of Nnobi."