Chinedum Treasure
A group of Chiefs in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anamabra State under the aegis of Special Title Holders of Nnobi has empowered 81 members of the community in the spirit of think-home-philosophy.
The beneficiaries were fifty one market women and thirty youths selected from various quarters of Nnobi with the aim of supporting their businesses.
The event attracted distinguished personalities from the community including the traditional ruler of Nnobi, Igwe Nick Obi who blessed the beneficiaries and advised them to use the seed money judiciously.
President of the Special Title Holders made up of twelve members, High Chief Obinna Ufudo while explaining the reason for the empowerment said the initiative was born out of the desire to assist the beneficiaries who had already established businesses to grow them.
He further explained that it was the maiden edition of the gesture away from the usual distribution of food items that could not be invested to assist business growth.
One of the members of the group, Chief Jude Anyichie said that the empowerment would enable the beneficiaries have a sustainable business expansion.
“We decided that instead of giving them fish all the time, to teach them how to catch fish. We helped them in what they are doing with a total of N21million.
“We have a programme in place to teach them financial management and how to handle the issues of profit and loss in business. The money is to help them increase their business capacity, “he explained.
Another member, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu argued that what the group had done would in no small measure help the growth of Nnobi economy.
He said they would be able to grow their businesses and also assist others who would need their help.
Ezeonu said: “The event has come and gone. We pray that those who were empowered will channel the money to make profits.
“The criterion for selection is that you must have something doing as business. The essence is to make many people busy to look away from crime. This is just the beginning and the number will be increased next year. We are trying to grow the economy of Nnobi.”
In the same vein, Chief Linus Umeh said the gesture would fight poverty in the community.
He commended the initiative describing it as worthy of emulation.
From the women, the Secretary General of Inyom Nnobi, Mrs Nwigwe Ginika who represented the President General of Nnobi (Women Wing), Mrs Nnekwelugo Ifeyinwa expressed satisfaction with the Special Title Holders for the initiative.
She said that would go a long way in ameliorating the hardship of beneficiaries.
From the total of N21million, each of the thirty youths received N500,000 while each of the fifty one market women received N100,000 to boost their businesses.
The beneficiaries were full of gratitude to their benefactors who strictly advised them to invest wisely.
One of the empowered youths, Mr Emma Ogbuchi spoke for the youths.
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