In a bid to ameliorate economic hardship being faced by his constituents in Cross River South Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has facilitated the award of grants and distribution of essential business items to over 700 of his constituents at a workshop held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, Calabar, Cross Rivers State.
Senator Ekpenyong initiated a series of proactive measures to help alleviate financial strains being felt in communities through the disbursement of a range of business enhancement items including laptops, sewing machines, deep freezers, fridges, generators, grinding machines, and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) to 200 constituents.
Additionally, and in collaboration with SMEDAN and Trust Fund Microfinance Bank, over 500 women and young people received grants ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for Micro and Small businesses.
The distribution efforts spanned across the seven local government areas (LGAs) that make up the Cross River Southern Senatorial District, ensuring a broad reach to those truly in need.
By targeting various sectors such as technology, tailoring, food storage, and transportation, Senator Ekpenyong aimed to economically strengthen his constituents with the tools necessary to either start or sustain their businesses.
The initiative was meant to not only address immediate financial constraints but to also foster long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency within communities.
Senator Ekpenyong, in his remarks, re-emphasised his commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and mitigating economic challenges. He also underscored his dedication to serving the people of his senatorial district by leveraging partnerships with government agencies and mobilising resources through effective leadership in proactively addressing the needs of his constituents during times of hardship.
As the beneficiaries received the vital resources, the lawmaker tasked them to make meaningful contributions to their local economies, ultimately fostering economic growth and employment across the region.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude for Senator Ekpenyong’s gesture, emphasising the transformative impact the distributed items and grants will have on their lives and businesses.
Prince Bassey Ita Edet (Baddest), a recipient of a Tricycle (Keke NAPEP), expressed sincere gratitude to the Senator for this generous gesture. He lauded the lawmaker as a champion of grassroots development and for being responsive to the yearnings of his Cross River South constituents.
Jane Ekeng from Calabar South, a female beneficiary of a Tricycle, described the Senator as a great listener, achiever and a grassroots developer whose focus was making Cross River South great.
Another beneficiary, Mabel Effiom, an entrepreneur who received a sewing machine, remarked that “This gesture has opened up new possibilities for me. With this sewing machine, I can now expand my tailoring business and support my family.”
Another beneficiary, who received a deep freezer, Offiong Essien, shared that “I have been struggling to keep my perishable goods fresh without proper refrigeration. Thanks to Senator Ekpenyong, I can now store more products and increase my sales, improving my livelihood.”
Additionally, a recipient of the ₦200,000 business grant expressed optimism about the future, stating that: “This grant has provided me with the capital I need to invest in my business and take it to the next level. I am grateful to Senator Ekpenyong for believing in us and empowering us to succeed.”
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