A member of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra House of Assembly, Hon. Ikemefuna Uzoezie has commended President Mohammadu Buhari led administration, for its efforts to alleviate poverty among Nigerians.
Hon. Uzoezie made the commendation when Nigeria Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo visited traders at Eke-Awka market, ahead of the formal phase two inauguration of TraderMoni scheme of the Federal Government in Anambra on Friday.
The member representing Aguata two state constituency said the programme was a demonstration of the sincerity and determination of the APC led federal government, to address the economic plight of Nigerians.
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He said that the TraderMoni which was meant for small scale businesses, was a way of encouraging entrepreneurship, urging state governments to take a cue and uplift the lives of people since they were closest to the grassroots.
“This is a very commendable project by the President Buhari administration, which is aimed at lifting youths and women, who are in small scale businesses, out of difficulty through supporting their business.
“This is evidence that TraderMoni is not about politics or campaign, the APC is desirous of moving the very poor to the next level, so one can see that it is about sincerity, commitment and love of the ruling party, for Nigerians irrespective of party affiliation or tribe.
“The message is that Anambra government under Gov.Willie Obiano should do more to impact on lives. Some of these people need little money to take off or boost their businesses and live better,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries of TraderMoni who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude to the federal government for the grant, adding that it would go a long way in boosting their businesses.
Miss Mery Okoh who is into fast food business said she got an alert of N50, 000 on Thursday.
Okoh who expressed both surprise and happiness said she did not think it was going to be real when she registered for it.
“Yes, I got an alert of N50,000 yesterday, I could not believe it, this money has increased my capital and I am grateful to the federal government.
On his part, Mr Gregory Udengwu, a patent Medicine seller at Eke-Awka market said he was expecting a second tranche of the grant, having benefited in 2018 and paid back fully.
Udengwu said a major challenge of business in Nigeria was the cost of capital, pleading with the federal government to benevolently increase the grant sum.
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, Mr Chisom Eze who is a food vendor with two female employees working with him, said he had been credited with N10, 000 which will help the growth of his businesses.
But a tomato seller, Miss Chidera Okeke, however, said she was yet to get her grant in spite of registering with other people.
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Okeke said she just got the TraderMoni T-shirt from the agents who promised her that her money would come later.
She said that she was aware of those that have received the money and prayed the organisers not to abandon her, after the Vice President ’s visit.
Meanwhile, Osinbajo who touched down at Amawbia, at about 12 pm, visited Eke-Awka market in the company of the state Governor chief Willie Obiano, where he was welcomed by market people.
Osinbajo who later proceeded to Onitsha for the formal inauguration of the scheme in Anambra did not speak with journalists at the time of filing this report.
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