In a bid to support the post COVID-19 economic reconstruction efforts of the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration, the Ini Ememobong Foundation and Partners, Mr. Akan Tommey and Dr. Ikpe Ibanga, have donated replacement capital to 300 petty traders in Akwa Ibom State across different markets in the three Senatorial Districts.
The donation, made in honour of the Akwa Ibom First Lady, Mrs Martha Emmanuel, kicked off on Wednesday at Akpan Andem and Itam markets in Uyo, Urua Tour in Ikot Ekpene and Urua Anwa in Oruk Anam would get to markets in Oron Federal Constituency and Eket.
Beneficiaries were selected carefully by the market unions and screened by the foundation, according to the needs of the traders.
Chairman, Ini Ememobong Foundation, and Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ini Ememobong, who spoke on behalf of other partners, said the donation was borne out of the need to help the petty traders who might have depleted their seed capital during the lockdown to have means of getting their businesses back on track.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: FG Needs To Put Its Acts Together To Earn Nigerians’ Trust
Ememobong said: “We understand the strategic place that traders occupy in the overall economic architecture and the collective wellbeing of any society. Our foundation believes that to help them maintain that strategic position and function optimally, there is need to constantly support them.
“That is why with the support of our public-spirited partners, we are helping the traders reinvigorate their business through the donation of this replacement capital.”
In his remarks, Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, who described the gesture as thoughtful and timely, said it would help the petty traders stay in business after the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Chairmen of the market association in Akpan Andem, NseAbasi Ndoh and Itam Market, Godwin Ebong as well as Board of Trustees Chairman, Obong Christopher Usoro, said the donation was a lifeline to the traders and would go a long way to boost the economic strength of the traders.