Senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has facilitated the disbursement of ₦100,000 grants to 400 constituents through a partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria to support small businesses and improve economic activities across the district.
The grant disbursement programme, organised in collaboration with SMEDAN, was held on Thursday at Channel View Hotel in Calabar. Each of the selected beneficiaries received ₦100,000 to strengthen their small businesses and expand their sources of income.
Speaking during the event, Senator Ekpenyong explained that the intervention was part of ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs, traders, women, and young people across the seven local government areas that make up Cross River South.
“This grant is designed to support small businesses in our communities. When we empower small entrepreneurs, we help families grow their income and strengthen the local economy,” he said.
The senator noted that partnerships with development agencies such as SMEDAN remain important in expanding access to financial support for grassroots businesses.
According to him, the programme focuses on improving productivity among small-scale entrepreneurs who often struggle to access funding to grow their ventures.
“This support is aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their businesses, improve productivity, and create additional sources of livelihood for their families,” Ekpenyong added.
Several beneficiaries at the event expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the support as timely and impactful.
One of the beneficiaries, Nsa Effiom, said the grant would provide needed support for his business.
“This support has come at the right time. It will help me strengthen my business and improve my livelihood,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Benedicta Itayip, commended the senator for ensuring that empowerment programmes reach people at the grassroots level.
“It means a lot that ordinary people are being remembered. This grant will help many of us grow our small businesses,” she said.
Senator Ekpenyong also revealed that plans are already underway for a larger empowerment programme aimed at reaching more constituents across the district.
