|
Listen to article
|
The spread of COVID-19 seems to be slowing down in many countries. Governments have employed a number of measures to reach this stage. Although in economic terms, the decimating financial decline from months-long lockdowns still has increasingly negative effects on world economies, Nigeria not exempted.
In Imo State, Government assistance and State aid in the form of subsidies, grants, tax incentives and reliefs have been impressive so far. And although The International Monetary Fund predicted the global growth fall by 3% in 2020 and possibly double the percentage in the current year, it is worthy to note that businesses in Imo State have actually not derailed completely. One could attribute this to self determination and Government ingenuity.
The kind of Government commitment that led to the thorough ‘Enumeration/Capturing of Okada Riders for the purpose of FG’s Covid-19 Survival Fund Scheme, at Ikeduru Local Government Headquarters. The operation was led by Barr. Ogechi Njoku-Ehirim, Imo State Governor’s Special Adviser/ Director General to Bureau of NGO, Grants, Anchor Borrowers & Cooperatives. She was heavily supported by the no. 2 man of Imo State, His Excellency, Prof. Placid Njoku, The Deputy Governor of Imo State and Chief Cosmus Iwu, The Secretary To The State Government. Both of these Senior Imo Government Officials applauded the Special Adviser for her extra commitment in the discharge of her duties. They also commended the Okada Riders business community in Ikeduru for their discipline and cooperation all through the exercise which took place today the 1st of February 2021.
Read Also: Imo North: Supreme Court Fixes Ruling For February 7th
Speaking specifically to our press team through a telephone conversation, Hon. Barr. Ogechi Njoku-Ehirim stated that, ‘The Covid 19 funds are aimed at cushioning the hardship and decline in income faced by small-medium enterprises and large businesses. Here in Imo, our aim is to help these businesses even further. Therefore we seize these opportunities to ensure a well detailed capturing, hence we come into the communities as suppose the communities coming to us. This isn’t the first set of fund that has been disbursed. My office has coordinated the disbursements of various Covid19 survival funds, targeted at diverse business communities’.
Gov. Uzodimma’s Aide continues, ‘I’m constantly out in the communities with my team facilitating the ‘survival funds’ process. Nothing gladdens my Principal’s heart so much than to hear that people are getting the various financial supports they need to bounce back on their feet. Our Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma is always happy to get my phone call or report saying “the disbursements are well received by the people’.
At intervals, their will be survival funds set aside for particular community or business groups. Qualifying members of the Imo public are actively encouraged to apply for the Covid 19 Survival Funds. Please contact the appropriate quarters.
THE EASTERN UPDATES
