₦100m Trader Fund: Enikanolaiye Says Small Businesses Key to Grassroots Prosperity
Direct investment in petty traders could provide a critical lifeline for vulnerable households and strengthen grassroots economies, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has said.
Enikanolaiye spoke in Lokoja after First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu unveiled a ₦100 million empowerment package for 2,000 petty traders across Kogi State.
He described the intervention as “compassion in action”, saying its focus on recapitalising small businesses demonstrated the practical impact of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The First Lady, who announced the initiative during the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the North Central Zone, urged Nigerians not to underestimate legitimate means of livelihood, stressing that individual talents and opportunities could be transformed into sustainable wealth.
Enikanolaiye also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his wife, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, for prioritising healthcare, food security and economic empowerment.
The minister said the newly commissioned Food Bank, Treasury House, Health Insurance House and trader empowerment scheme would expand access to essential services and improve the socio-economic well-being of residents.
He stressed that sustainable development requires collaboration between government, citizens and the private sector, describing the initiatives unveiled in Lokoja as examples of leadership focused on tangible results.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n