PAMELA EBOH, Awka

No fewer than one thousand female petty traders in Anambra State on Thursday received recapitalization grants of fifty thousand naira each from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Economic Empowerment Programme championed by the wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen Oluremi Tinubu.

The programme is geared towards improving the living standards of Nigerians, especially women and people in petty businesses.

Speaking at the flag off of the programme held at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, explained that the idea of the programme is to provide the beneficiaries with werewithal and conducive environment to be economically productive, while being employers of labour.

Reading the address of the President’s wife at the event, she said: “The grant is part of the RHI’s target to make every woman in Nigeria self-reliant.”

According to her, the empowerment programme of 1000 women petty traders is taking place simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation, including, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

She added: “The programme is part of the continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.

“Government is aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of local economies. Despite it, the challenges, it did not deter the strength of women who have remained resilient to put food on the tables for their families.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Cordelia Anene, hailed Senator Tinubu and Mrs Soludo for the gesture.

She gave assurance of their continued support towards a better Nigeria.

Dignitaries at the event include, the State Head of Service, Mrs Theodora Igwegbe, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, APGA Woman Leader in Anambra State, among others.