LP Chieftain, Olakunle Empowers SMEs In Kaduna
By: Austine Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
http://www.newsportng.com.ng Kaduna Philanthropist and Chieftain of Labour Party, (LP) Hon. Olakunle Oluwafemi has empowered atleast 100 Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in Kaduna state.
The gesture is coming at a time when the constituency is mourning the loss of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, the member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, an initiative aimed at cushioning the numerous challenges facing SMEs in the region, thereby providing a lifeline to entrepreneurs who are struggling to stay afloat.
Speaking at the event in Kaduna at the weekend, Hon. Olakunle lamented that Nigerians are currently facing numerous challenges, including economic turmoil, with the inflation rate soaring to unprecedented levels, and as such there is the need to prioritize humanity with every little opportunity to alleviate the plights of fellow citizenry with the sum of N10,000 each, no matter how little.
He added that the country is also grappling with other issues such as unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. The LP Chieftain said that the first phase of the empowerment program would serve as a beacon of hope for the SMEs beneficiaries.
“This little support to these businesses seeks to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn and provide a lifeline to entrepreneurs who are struggling to stay afloat. The program is also aimed at stimulating economic growth and development in the region, which is critical for the well-being of my people.
“It is in a bid to revitalize the economy and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in my very own constituency, Chikun/Kajuru LGA that I decided to put up this structure of empowerment scheme to assist the people in my own little way.
“This very empowerment cut across 10 wards of Kajuru Local Government Area to boost economic activities like the sale of pepper, tomatoes, sugarcane, groundnut and other petty businesses. “I will reveal my next line of intervention, soon.” the philanthropist said.
Commending the efforts of the Chieftain, the Labour Party Chairman, Chikun LGA, Kaduna state, Hon. Yerima Abraham encouraged the beneficiaries not to despise the days of little beginning, urging that they utilize the cash in ensuring that their adequate needs are met on a daily basis for self reliance.
One of the beneficiaries, Mary Philip Yero who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, appreciated the kind gesture of Hon. Olakunle as she disclosed that the money will revive her business that is on the verge of collapsing due to the inflationary pressures.
She called on the government and other relevant stakeholders to come up with better policies as a panacea to alleviating the plights of Chikun young women and girls.
