A Group of philanthropists under the auspices of ‘Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’ have empowered 28 upcoming indigenous entrepreneurs with 13,200,000 naira to boost their Small businesses.
Presenting the cheque to the beneficiaries at Sir. Pius Ufudo Complex Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Anambra State, the Chairman, ‘Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’, Chief Emeka Ikebeotu said that the recipients who have their Small & Medium Enterprises SMEs domiciled in Nnobi Community were carefully selected from the seven villages that make up Ebenesi quarters.
“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. The Chairmen of Umuona , Amadunu, Ubaha, Ifite, Eziora, Umuru and Umuafor in collaboration with the screening committee selected 4 persons from each of the aforementioned villages.
“It will not reach everyone at once but we started with those based at Nnobi here doing business or working as a Craftsman. Each of the male beneficiaries is going home with #500,000 while their female counterpart goes home with #300,000 each.
“We started with Ebenesi quarters maybe by next year we shall extend to other quarters of Nnobi,” said Ikebeotu.
In his remarks, His Majesty Igwe Engr. Nich Obi flanked by Okpala Nnobi, Chief Onyechi Ifezue commended the Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’ which include Chief Emeka Jonathan Ikebeotu (Akukwesili Nnobi), High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Idemili), Chief Ogochukwu Chukwuneke (Ozo Obataunoadimma), Chief Tobechukwu Ogalue (Ezeomeogo), Chief Frank Emenike (Akum Omenife), Chief Izuchukwu Umeji (Nwatakwocha) for their magnanimity and their interest in things that will bring development to Nnobi Community.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ebenesi Nnobi, Chief Okechukwu Oraka noted that the highest investment is human capital 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,” Oraka said.
According to one of the Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu (Ikemba Idemili), we thank God for this empowerment program. I thank Igwe Nnobi who inspired me 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 winners/beneficiaries of the #13,200,000, 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 of you who will be doing better in business by then shall attract further investments from some of us,” said Ezeonu.
In his key note address, High Chief Obinna Ufudo observed that meaningful development is only possible in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Let us live in peace so that the stronger or richer would help the poorer or weaker.
“I advise the 28 beneficiaries to invest their money judiciously. Be careful because 65 percent of businesses fail within 3 years in Nigeria. To avoid failure, you need to understand certain secrets of success, it will help you and encourage the Mayors to help more people.
“Be focused, Be prayerful because without God your efforts would be in vain, be good, work hard. Seek counsel, consult before any investment. When you start making progress, delay gratification,build up your business with discipline and self control. Let us do everything to make this thing succeed so that more groups will be empowered for a better and brighter Ebenesi Nnobi,” Ufudo added.
Expressing their joy, Some of the beneficiaries: Mrs Oluchi Ezenwune a trader from Ubaha and Mr. Chigbogu Okonkwo from Ifite, a block industry owner unbehalf of others thanked the Mayors of Ebenesi Nnobi’ for remembering to come to the aid of those doing business in the village pledging that they will neither mismanage the fund nor disappoint their benefactors.
