Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday presented cheques of N50,000 each to some lucky winners of the state’s empowerment scheme, charging them to reinvest the money into their various businesses to help promote all round economic growth in the State.
Gov. Ugwuanyi made the presentation at the 5th monthly raffle draw of the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme held at Orie Orba International Market in Udenu Local Government Area, where 100 genuine traders in the state emerged winners through a transparent exercise.
The governor noted that his administration embarked on the scheme in fulfilment of its promise to boost economic activities in the state and to improve the lot of all members of the society -“civil servants, professionals, traders, farmers, artisans etc- and to offer them the chance to make a living, create wealth and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment“.
Appreciating the traders who came en masse to witness the event for the continued support , Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that the scheme was the first of its kind in the state, adding that “we have since repeated the ceremony at the headquarters of each of the three senatorial zones in the State”.
He stated that the winners of the scheme will be drawn from 37 select markets spread across the three senatorial zones of the state with the population of traders in each market also taken into consideration.
“We are here therefore, at the Orie Orba International Market -which is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most popular markets in Enugu State- to perform the lottery draw for traders in the market”, the governor added.
Gov. Ugwuanyi attributed the physical and socio-economic transformation in the state to “the high level of peace and security in the state and the massive road and other infrastructural projects that Government has carried out and is still carrying out in all parts of the state“.
“Again, I reiterate our unwavering commitment and determination to fulfill the promises we made to the people of Enugu State and to do all that is necessary and possible, to extend the opportunity for growth and better living to every corner and to every class of people in Enugu State”, Governor Ugwuanyi stated.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Orba Modern Market Traders Association , Mr. Martins Odo appreciated the governor’s gesture in assisting traders in the state grow their various businesses for economic growth, adding that his people-oriented programmes have brought peace and good governance in the State.
