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Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah made a significant stride in boosting the state’s economic fortunes yesterday by kick-starting a massive distribution of over N4.6 billion in critical resources and financial support to farmers and pioneering IT startups.
This latest move is a natural extension of Governor Mbah’s visionary agenda, building on his comprehensive efforts to bolster food security, industrialization, and the empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – a testament to his unwavering commitment to transformative growth.
Governor Mbah took to the stage at Michael Okpara Square to champion the cause of small-scale entrepreneurs, asserting that their growth is pivotal to achieving sustainable economic development and pledging his administration’s support in providing essential tools and resources.
During his address, Governor Mbah revealed that 12,000 small-scale farmers would be recipients of a timely intervention, courtesy of the Federal Government’s donation of fertilizer – a move set to enhance their productivity.
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He said: “In addition, we would be giving out 51 power tillers worth N2 million each to farmers from across farming clusters in Enugu State.
“We are also flagging off today the distribution of agricultural inputs to 1, 251 beneficiaries across the 17 local councils. These inputs include rice and bean seedlings, cassava stems, organic fertilisers, and herbicides, among others.”
Governor Mbah further announced a comprehensive overhaul of rural road infrastructure, aimed at establishing a seamless transportation network that would connect thriving farming clusters across the state’s rural expanse, fostering a cohesive and integrated agricultural ecosystem.
He also allocated a sum of N1 billion to bolster Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a significant 80% of the funds earmarked for women-owned businesses, empowering female entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.
The Governor stated that the entrepreneurship initiative’s total funding reaches N1 billion, including the provision of N60,000 to more than 16,000 beneficiaries, largely comprising owners of tiny businesses, with a notable emphasis on female empowerment, reflected in the 80:20 gender ratio.
