In a bold step to advance grassroots economic empowerment, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has disbursed ₦50,000 cash grants to 1,085 women petty traders in Dunukofia Local Government Area to boost their small-scale businesses and improve household incomes.
The initiative, held at Ukpo, the council headquarters, targeted the hardworking women locally known as "Ndi afia table"—vendors who operate daily in markets with minimal capital. The intervention seeks to strengthen their trade, enhance self-reliance, and drive inclusive economic growth at the community level.
"This is not just financial aid; it is a seed of opportunity. Use it wisely, build relationships, expand your trade, and help your families thrive," Dr Soludo urged the beneficiaries during the event.
She emphasized that the empowerment programme complements the state's broader human capital development drive under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo's administration.
Dr Soludo highlighted state-level initiatives such as:
- Employment of over 8,000 teachers
- Recruitment of more than 1,000 health workers
- Digital skills training for over 30,000 youths
- The 'One Youth, Two Skills' initiative, which has empowered 5,000 young people with a ₦2 billion funding pool.
"Empowering women economically uplifts entire families. The ripple effects of this support will outlive today and shape the future of Dunukofia," she added.
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Community-Backed Initiative for Lasting Change
The programme was generously sponsored by Prince Arthur Eze and Chief Jim Martin Nwabueze, two prominent philanthropists from Dunukofia, in collaboration with the local government administration.
Chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Hon. Chijioke Ozumba, applauded the initiative, noting that it aligns with the council's ongoing development projects—including free healthcare enrolment, educational scholarships, and skills-based business support schemes.
"We are proud to be part of this transformative effort. The Soludo administration is leaving no community behind in its development blueprint, and Dunukofia is solidly on the map," Ozumba stated.
Lifting Women, Strengthening Communities
The event not only brought financial relief to struggling traders but also sparked hope across the community. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the life-changing support, pledging to reinvest the funds into their businesses for long-term growth.
With women playing a central role in grassroots economies, this initiative reinforces the Anambra government's vision of inclusive development driven by empowered citizens and sustainable livelihoods.
