By Amaka Isikala /Ebele Iyke Odili
The Anambra State Coordinators of the 21 Local Government Area (LGA) of the United Business Women Association of Nigeria and Diaspora (UBWA), has visited the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Awka to familiarize with the Commissioner and discuss modalities for ease of doing business.
The Commissioner while interacting with the group expressed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is poised to making Ndi Anambra become productive at home and exportable abroad.
“We are interested in making funds available for improved agro practices and expansion of productive base.We have funding on various levels, ranging from N25,000 grant, N50,000 grant in conjunction with the Bank of Industry(BOI)and there is access to N5million where you get half as grant and the other half as loan at 5% with a guarantor.
“We also have an application form from the BOI where you can fill out 0 to N10 million to be paid back in full sum at 9% over 3 to 4 years.
“Mr. Governor wants our people to be successful and prosperous for sustainable livelihood. We are willing to help our citizens attain greater heights in any area of specialty.
“We are also in touch with some Presidents General and Traditional Rulers of different communities who help to provide lands for cooperatives to embark on agricultural development.There is also a fish farming center where we offer advisory services for farmers who are looking to go into fish farming.”
Mr. Udechukwu noted that the state government have had programs that support our people with responsibilities like free education initiative in all government owned institutions and free medical care for pregnant mothers in all public hospitals and had recorded over 120,000 successful deliveries with zero mortality rate.
“We are also investing in our next generation like 1 Youth 2 Skills program and the business incubation innovative center (SID)where people can learn about ICT.”
The Commissioner commended the women for their resilience and eagerness to maintain a healthy living and to live above poverty.
The UBWA mentor, Prince Samben Nwosu expressed that he offers business development opportunities for improved productivity.
“I work towards ensuring the growth of the economy because the government have had pilot scheme that enables the growth and empowerment of women. I have nurtured and groomed these women on how to grow small businesses.”
Mr. Nwosu, therefore, solicits for funds to enable them to grow their businesses and also contribute their own quota in industrial and agricultural development in the state.
He thanked the Commissioner for availing them the opportunity to meet with him, urging him to help champion the ease of doing business of the women.
In a remark, the Anambra State UBWA Coordinator, Mrs. Chinenye Okpalachukwu highlighted the importance of equipping women entrepreneurs with financial management skills and access to funding opportunities.
Mrs. Okpalachukwu noted that pairing women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and industry experts for guidance and support is paramount.
She commended Governor Soludo for his passion and enthusiasm for the people’s progress and prosperity while thanking the Commissioner for the opportunity to meet with him describing him as the man of the moment.
Amaka and Ebele are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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