Philanthropists Empower 28 Entrepreneurs With N13.2m in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

A Group of philanthropists under the auspices of ‘Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’ have empowered 28 upcoming indigenous entrepreneurs with N13.2million to boost their Small businesses in Anambra state.

The mayors include Chief Emeka Ikebeotu, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, Chief Ogochukwu Chukwuneke, Chief Tobechukwu Ogalue, Chief Frank Emenike and Chief Izuchukwu Umeji.

Presenting the cheque to the beneficiaries in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government of the State, Chairman, ‘Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’, Chief Emeka Ikebeotu said each of the male and female beneficiaries were given #500,000 and #300,000 respectively.

According to him, the recipients, with their Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) domiciled in Nnobi community were carefully selected from the seven villages that make up Ebenesi quarters.

He said, “These beneficiaries are not less privileged persons. They have their businesses here in our hometown. We want to help ensure that their businesses are doing better so that they can grow to become helpers to others.

“We started with these few number of people. They are 14 females and 14 males. Chairmen of Umuona, Amadunu, Ubaha, Ifite, Eziora, Umuru and Umuafor in collaboration with the screening committee selected 4 persons from each of the villages.

“It will not reach everyone at once but we started with those based at Nnobi here doing business or working as craftsmen. We started with Ebenesi quarters maybe by next year we shall extend to other quarters of Nnobi.”

Responding, Igwe Engr. Nich Obi flanked by Okpala Nnobi, Chief Onyechi Ifezue commended the Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’, for their magnanimity and interest in things that would attract development to the community.

Chairman of Ebenesi Nnobi, Chief Okechukwu Oraka described human capital as highest investment.

“When you are happy towards the progress of others that is the highest prayer. I thank the Super Mayors for this support and seed of progress and development.

“I thank Igwe Nnobi for laying a good foundation that is yielding fruit today. I urge the beneficiaries not to disappoint the people who set up this program which will be a spring board to empower others in the future,” he said.

One of the Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu expressed gratitude to God for the project as well as Igwe Nnobi who inspired him to become Ikemba Nnobi not just Ikemba Ifite.

“Igwe told me that I have many works to do in Nnobi. The journey is just beginning. I thank my fellow Mayors and the village Chairmen.

“For the beneficiaries, although we have given you this money, it is not free. By this time next year all of you will be invited to testify to us what you have been able to do with this money.

“Those who will be doing better in business shall attract further investments from some of us,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mrs Oluchi Ezenwune, a trader from Ubaha and Mr. Chigbogu Okonkwo, a block industry owner from Ifite thanked the benefactors for the gesture, pledging not to disappoint them through mismanagement of the funds.