By Abasi Ita
The Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has facilitated the disbursement of ₦100,000 grants to 400 constituents to support small businesses and boost economic activities in the district.
The empowerment programme was organised in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and held on Thursday at Channel View Hotel.
Speaking at the event, Ekpenyong said the intervention forms part of efforts to strengthen small scale enterprises, particularly among women and youths, across the senatorial district.
He explained that economic empowerment remains one of the most sustainable ways of improving livelihoods and reducing poverty, adding that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the People First Mandate of Bassey Edet Otu.
According to the senator, the SMEDAN supported grants are intended to help beneficiaries expand their businesses, improve productivity and generate additional income for their families.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended Ekpenyong for facilitating the intervention and extending support to grassroots entrepreneurs.
One of the beneficiaries, Nsa Effiom, described the grant as timely, noting that the assistance would help strengthen his business and improve his livelihood. Another beneficiary, Benedicta Itayip, also praised the senator for ensuring that empowerment programmes reach ordinary constituents.
They pledged to make good use of the funds to grow their businesses.
Ekpenyong assured participants that the programme is part of a broader plan to expand economic opportunities in the district. He disclosed that preparations are underway for a larger empowerment programme aimed at reaching more residents across the seven local government areas of Cross River South.
Community leaders, stakeholders and beneficiaries from across the senatorial district attended the event, which many described as another step toward strengthening grassroots economic development in the area.