The event drew community leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries from across the senatorial district, many of whom described the intervention as a significant boost to grassroots enterprise and a demonstration of responsive representation.
Our Reporter
Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has facilitated the disbursement of ₦40 million in grants to 400 constituents to support small businesses and stimulate grassroots economic growth across the district.
The empowerment programme, carried out in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), was held on Thursday at Channel View Hotel, where each beneficiary received ₦100,000 to expand their enterprises and improve productivity.
Speaking during the event, Senator Ekpenyong described the intervention as part of his broader commitment to strengthening local entrepreneurship, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for constituents. He noted that empowering small business owners, particularly women and youths, remains critical to driving inclusive development across the senatorial district.
The senator explained that the initiative complements the economic empowerment drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligns with the People First governance agenda of Bassey Edet Otu, both of which prioritise enterprise development and improved livelihoods for citizens.
According to him, the SMEDAN-backed support is specifically designed to help beneficiaries scale their businesses, increase productivity, and generate additional income streams that will have a positive impact on families and local communities.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke during the event commended Senator Ekpenyong for facilitating the intervention and ensuring that federal empowerment opportunities reach people at the grassroots.
One of the beneficiaries, Nsa Effiom, described the grant as timely support that would help stabilise and expand his business operations. Similarly, Benedicta Itayip expressed appreciation to the senator for remembering ordinary constituents and creating opportunities for economic growth at the community level.
Both beneficiaries pledged to utilise the funds productively to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In his closing remarks, Senator Ekpenyong reassured constituents that the grant programme represents only one of several interventions planned for the district. He revealed that preparations are underway for a larger empowerment initiative expected to benefit more residents across the seven local government areas of Cross River South.
The event drew community leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries from across the senatorial district, many of whom described the intervention as a significant boost to grassroots enterprise and a demonstration of responsive representation.
See the list of beneficiaries below: