The Chairman of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Edodi Eyong, has empowered over 100 indigenes with business equipment as part of efforts to support grassroots businesses and improve livelihoods across the council area.
The empowerment programme, which covered all 11 wards in Biase, saw beneficiaries receive items including generators, deep freezers, sewing machines, clippers and hair dryers.
The initiative was designed mainly for youths, women and vulnerable residents, giving them practical tools to start or expand small businesses.
Speaking during the flag-off at the council secretariat, Eyong said the programme was aimed at creating opportunities for residents to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.
According to him, the selection and distribution were carried out across the 11 wards to ensure fairness and equal participation.
He described the equipment not merely as gifts, but as tools for wealth creation, promising that monitoring teams would be put in place to ensure the items are used for their intended purposes.
The Cross River State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom Ukam, commended the initiative and described it as consistent with Governor Bassey Otu's "People First" agenda.
The Paramount Ruler of Biase, Onun Nicholas Odum, also applauded the council chairman for taking the empowerment programme to the grassroots and urged beneficiaries not to sell the items.
For some beneficiaries, the intervention offers a chance to strengthen businesses that have struggled with rising costs and other challenges.
One of the beneficiaries, Albert Owali, popularly known as Sugar Boy, said the deep freezers and generators he received would help improve his provision business.
Another beneficiary, Jenny Ojoi, a tailor, said receiving a generator and sewing machine would enable her to work more efficiently and create opportunities to train other youths.
The programme brought together traditional rulers, political leaders and other community stakeholders, marking another effort to put direct economic support in the hands of people at the grassroots.
Post A Comment: