Disbursement of cash sum of 50,000 each to 50 market women from various communities in Dunukofia Local Government Area on Friday commenced at Nkwo Market, Ifitedunu.
The initiative which came from the Director General of Anambra State Youths Mobilisation and Technology Innovation, Engr. Emeka Okonkwo, is expected to provide financial support to the rural women for trading activities.
The disbursement which will be done in batches, is tagged ‘Konti Ember Trade Money 2020’.
Okonkwo who was the immediate past Chairman of Dunukofia Council Area while speaking at the mini cash presentation ceremony that held at Nkwo market, Ifitedunu today, explained that the initiative was to boost the economic power of Dunukofia women who he described as home builders.
According to him, the year 2020 has been a challenging one and has affected many families negatively as well as ended sources of livelihood for many, hence his decision to avail them succor.
“COVID 19 rubbed off negatively on our people especially women. This token will assist our women in buying more wares for their shops, to enable them provide for their families. We are doing it in batches and this is the first. More will follow. This “Konti ember trade money 2020” is our small way of supporting families,” he noted.
The benefactor expressed the hope that the money will be put to better use to boost the local economy, promising to do more as his resources permit.
He commended the state government for what it is doing in the area of empowering people, adding that the gesture is to complement what government is doing as government cannot do it alone.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce in Anambra State, Hon. Uche Okafor Wiper commended Konti for the bold step he is taking in empowering the market women in the state.
“What we are seeing today is a genuine effort at bettering the lot of women at the grassroots. It is important to note that whatever is being done at this level will snowball into a more viable economy for our state and we encourage other wealthy citizens to emulate this gesture,” Okafor emphasized.
On his part, the APGA party chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Hon. Vincent Ezennia applauded Hon. Okonkwo for always identifying with the people.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ogechi Anisiobi from Umudioka community said that the gesture was least expected at a time like this, praying God to continue to bless their benefactor.
In her words, “I want to thank Hon Konti for this support. Some of us are finding it difficult to feed our families but with this support, we are now better equipped to go back to our trading activities. It is most heartwarming that Konti is doing this kind of empowerment when times are very hard.”
