Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has once again demonstrated his commitment to grassroots empowerment by facilitating a grant disbursement to 400 constituents to support small businesses and improve productivity. The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the People First Mandate of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, both of which emphasize economic inclusion, enterprise development, and improved livelihood for citizens.
The empowerment programme, organized in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, was held on Thursday at Channel View Hotel, where each beneficiary received a grant of ₦100,000.
Speaking during the event, Senator Ekpenyong said the initiative forms part of his continuous effort to support entrepreneurs, women, and youths across the senatorial district. He emphasized that empowering constituents economically remains one of the most sustainable ways to drive development and reduce poverty, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and the People First Mandate of Governor Otu.
According to him, the SMEDAN-supported intervention is designed to help beneficiaries expand their small businesses, improve productivity, and create additional sources of income for their families and communities, while also complementing ongoing federal and state economic empowerment programmes.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the Senator for facilitating the grant and creating opportunities for grassroots economic growth.
One of the beneficiaries, Nsa Effiom, described the intervention as timely, noting that the support would help strengthen his business and improve his livelihood. Similarly, Benedicta Itayip commended Senator Ekpenyong for remembering ordinary constituents and ensuring that empowerment programmes reach people at the grassroots.
They both prayed for continued success for the Senator and pledged to make productive use of the grant to grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Senator Ekpenyong reassured constituents that the empowerment programme is only one of many interventions being planned for the district, in collaboration with the development vision of the Federal Government and the Cross River State Government. He disclosed that preparations are underway for an even bigger empowerment gathering in the near future, aimed at reaching more people across the seven local government areas of Cross River South.
The event witnessed the presence of community leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries from different parts of the senatorial district, all gathered to witness what many described as another impactful intervention by the Senator, consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the People First Mandate focused on improving the welfare of the people.
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