Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti has advised Abia traders and beneficiaries of N900 million World Bank-assisted Government Enterprise Employment Programme (GEEP); and Nigeria Covid-19 Action Recovery And Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), to judiciously use the grants to stimulate their businesses.
Speaking Wednesday when the beneficiaries paid a “Thank you visit” to him at the entrance gate of Government House Umuahia, the Governor counselled them against abusing the grant.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, Otti said that the grant should be invested responsibly to grow their businesses.
He said the state’s economy could only grow when the beneficiaries help in creating job opportunities through their own business.
“Government has done its part. It’s now left for you to use the funds to stimulate the economy by creating opportunities to engage other persons.
“This money is not for pleasure but for you to stimulate our economy by becoming job creators.”
Otti promised that more tax-paying residents with genuine and identifiable business addresses irrespective of their states or political affiliation, would benefit from similar schemes.
He re-stated the commitment of his administration towards assisting Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the state, describing them as the catalyst for economic growth.
Earlier in a remark, Commissioner for
Digital Economy, Dr Matthew Ekwuribe, commended the beneficiaries for their decision to come to show appreciation to Government.
He said that the present administration had come on board to do things differently, assuring that benefits that previously eluded residents of the state would readily be made available to deserving beneficiaries.
The Commissioner who hinted that more grants and loans would be disbursed later in the year, also charged the beneficiaries on the judicious use of the funds.
“We want to see the multiplier effect on our economy by the time you expand your businesses and employ others. Our aim is to transfer our digital economy ecosystem; our aim is to transfer Abians from job seekers into job creators,” he said.
Later in and interview, the Commissioner said the State Government provided the fund for disbursement which the World Bank would later reimburse upon its satisfaction with the disbursement process.
He said it was accessed by persons with registered businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission, explaining it was purely on merit, and devoid of any political colouration.
According to him, the highest amount given to any individual with registered businesses was N1 million while the least got N100,000.
He said the application forms were processed by the Bank of Industry without any interference by the State Government.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Ariaria Traders Association, Mr Ozoekwe Chikadibia, said they came to demonstrate their deep appreciation to the Governor for facilitating the grant.
He said that in the past, traders’ hope was dashed by Government which left them hoping endlessly after registering for such schemes.
According to him, previous administration after getting their information never kept their own promise.
He assured that the beneficiaries would give good account of the grants, while urging Government to sustain the gesture.
Besides cash, other items distributed included computer sets, laptops, Point of Sale (POS) machines, solar panels and other ICT equipment.
