In a strategic move to uplift grassroots businesses and drive local economic growth, 300 small-scale entrepreneurs in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State have each received a ₦100,000 grant, totalling ₦30 million. The beneficiaries include a mix of small business owners, petty traders, and farmers, many of whom operate in rural communities where access to finance remains limited.
The empowerment initiative was made possible through a collaboration between the lawmaker representing the Southern Senatorial District, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Iwari Global Synergy Ltd. It reflects an intentional effort to strengthen the backbone of the local economy by equipping everyday entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow their ventures.
Speaking during the grant distribution ceremony, Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, who represented the senator, reiterated the senator’s dedication to inclusive economic development. He said the senator believes strongly in building from the ground up and recognises that empowering micro and small businesses is key to reducing poverty and creating sustainable wealth.
“Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong understands that economic growth starts at the bottom. By empowering our local entrepreneurs, he is building a future where prosperity is not a privilege but a possibility for all,” Oqua stated.
He also pledged that this will not be a one-off effort, as the senator remains committed to continued support for constituents in partnership with federal institutions and development agencies.
Dr. Fortune Etu, SMEDAN’s State Manager in Cross River, described the initiative as a step in the right direction to improve livelihoods and generate local employment. He noted that small businesses are the engine of the Nigerian economy, and interventions like these are necessary to bridge the financing gap many entrepreneurs face.
He also encouraged beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously, urging them to reinvest the funds wisely, adopt better business practices, and seek further training where necessary to scale up their operations.
For many of the beneficiaries, the grant offers more than just financial relief—it brings hope. Iquo Etim, one of the recipients and a small-scale farmer, said the intervention came at a critical time when many rural farmers are struggling with limited capital and rising costs.
“This is a lifeline. We thank the senator for remembering us. With this support, I can expand my farm and increase production. It means a lot to us,” she said.
The initiative aligns with broader national goals to support MSMEs as catalysts for economic inclusion, job creation, and sustainable development. In regions like Cross River South, where infrastructure and access to credit are often limited, such direct interventions are increasingly becoming a vital tool to close the development gap.
As Nigeria continues to battle with rising unemployment and economic uncertainty, this grant programme sets an example of how targeted support at the grassroots can drive impact, boost productivity, and empower citizens to build their own futures.
