The wife of Nigeria’s President, Sen. Olureni Tinubu, has described petty traders as a critical segment of the local economy.
Tinubu made the statement during an empowerment programme for N1,000 female petty traders in Uyo.
Represented by Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, the Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Tinubu said that the initiative was being implemented under the Economic Recapitulation Programme of the current administration.
She said that economic empowerment remained a cardinal objective of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and that each petty trader captured in the programme would receive N50,000.
“Endeavour to use the fund to boost your businesses, you are the heart of the local economy. We hope to capture more women in the programme as we progress.
“This empowerment programme is part of our continued commitment towards enhancing the wellbeing of families,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, commended the president’s wife for the gesture, saying that it is capable of enhancing the quality of life in many families.
Represented by Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, Eno said that the empowerment programme for petty traders was a step in the right direction.
He said that the programme aligned with his administration’s ARISE Agenda of rural community development and improvement in quality of life.
The governor said that his administration was committed towards developing the rural economy through investment in agriculture.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mercy Udo, commended the president’s wife for finding them worthy of receiving the money.
“We pledge to make good use of the money by investing more in our businesses. It will expand our businesses and put more food on our tables,” she said.