C’River LG chair empowers over 100 indigenes in Biase - Punch Newspapers
The Chairman of Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Edodi Eyong, has launched a business empowerment scheme with the donation of equipment to over 100 indigenes across the 11 wards of the LGA. The beneficiaries received deep freezers, generators, sewing machines, clippers and hair dryers under the administration’s business empowerment programme aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting self-reliance. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at the council secretariat, Eyong said the initiative was designed to equip youths, women and vulnerable persons with tools to start and grow small businesses. He said, “This empowerment initiative is designed to equip our people, especially the youth, women and vulnerable persons. It is to assist them with tools to start and grow small businesses, which will better our economy.” He noted that the distribution was done in line with equity and fairness to ensure that every ward in Biase LGA benefited from the programme. “This administration is committed to creating opportunities for our people. These items are not just gifts; they are tools for wealth creation and independence. My goal is to see Biase people become employers of labour,” the council chairman stated. He tasked the beneficiaries to utilise the items judiciously, stressing that monitoring teams would be set up to ensure the equipment was used for their intended purpose. Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom Ukam, commended the council chairman for keying into his “People First” agenda. He described the empowerment as timely and impactful, adding that the state government would continue to support LGAs that prioritise youth and women empowerment. In his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Biase LGA, Onun Nicholas Odum, applauded the chairman for remembering and empowering the grassroots. Cross River lawmakers mourn passing of power commissioner Ex-PDP chair Tukur buried, Obasanjo, Dangote, Fintiri pay tributes Coca-Cola says 70,000 Nigerian youths gain skills, jobs He urged beneficiaries to use the equipment judiciously and avoid selling them. He added that the initiative will boost the economy of the state. The Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Alex Ukam, in his goodwill message, described the gesture as a practical way of tackling poverty at the local level. He called on other council chairmen to emulate the programme. One of the beneficiaries, Albert Owali, popularly known as Sugar Boy, who owns a provision shop, received items under the scheme, which included deep freezers and generators. He said the gesture would go a long way in improving his business and livelihood. “I want to sincerely thank the council chairman for remembering us. These items will help improve my business status and boost my business. This is the kind of empowerment that touches the grassroots,” he said. Also, Jenny Ojoi, who received a generator and a sewing machine, expressed gratitude to the chairman and the state government. She added that the equipment would assist and boost his daily business engagements. “I am a tailor, but I have been struggling because of power. With this generator and sewing machine, I can now work day and night and train other youths,” she said. The distribution exercise covered all 11 wards of Biase LGA, with party leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders in attendance. Emem Julius
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