…as traders praise Governor Mbah for his commitment to their welfare
By Sabastine Chinedu
As part of his administration’s commitment to bolster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the grassroots level, Enugu North Local Government Chairman, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, has launched a policy that will enhance MSMEs in markets across the 13 political wards in the council.
The initiative, which is called “Tomorrow is Here Traders Cash Support Programme,” kicked off on Tuesday at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.
According to reports, it is designed to support petty traders across major markets in the council such as Ogbete Main Market, Old Artisan Market, Aria Market (New Market), Coal Camp, Afia Nine, Eke-Ani, Amigbo Market, amongst others.
Speaking during the kick-off event, the council chairman, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, said the initiative is to aid those businesses in the council across its markets.
He stated that the initiative is part of the council’s commitment to making life better for those at the grassroots level in line with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration’s trader welfare packages; adding that beneficiaries will use the money received to boost their businesses and improve their stock.
Dr. Onoh also made a donation of ₦2 million to Ogbete Market Women Association for the renovation and reconstruction of the market’s toilet facilities.
He also enjoined the Ogbete Market women’s leadership to continue to utilize the resources generated from the renovated toilet facilities to support petty female traders within the market.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMTA), Chief Emeka Aguata, praised the initiative as well as the Enugu North leadership of Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh for its commitment to improving the living standard of traders in the council; noting that it is a typical example of Governor Mbah’s all-inclusive development agenda.
He stated that Dr. Onoh has brought leadership that is focused and committed to the welfare of every resident of the council, adding that the ripple effects of Tomorrow is Here Traders Cash Empowerment will stand the test of time for the beneficiaries.
The event saw traders pick raffle tickets following a transparent selection process, where 50 lucky beneficiaries were selected and given a sum of ₦50,000 to enhance their businesses.
Several stakeholders, political and religious leaders were present to witness the occasion, such as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Frank Anioma; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Paul Ogbe; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on mobilization Hon. Abuchi Onoh amongst others.
