Abaribe Splashes N33m On 660 Artisans In Aba

BEVERLY HILLS, February 17, (THEWILL) -  A total number of 660 artisans in Aba, Abia State have been given  a total cash grant of N33million to set up small scale enterprises.

The grant which was facilitated by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) was preceded by training of the recipients who were drawn from the six local governments that make up Abia South Senatorial Zone.

The artisans were massed in 33 multi-purpose cooperative societies at 20 persons per cooperative society.

The event which held at the Aba Town Hall last Friday, was attended by  traditional rulers, a mammoth crowd of Aba residents, traders and a horde of party faithful.

Senator Abaribe who distributed the cheques to the beneficiaries, explained that the training was originally meant for 350 persons, but the enthusiasm and the interest of the people as well as the need to address the unfortunate issue of joblessness necessitated its increase to 660 artisans.

"Of course, the increase in number means that the amount advanced to each person dropped correspondingly, yet what was given would definitely go a long way to aid the recipients in their chosen field," he said.

Encouraging the recipients on the  judicious utilisation of the funds, Abaribe said he decided to register the co-operatives as a vehicle for other empowerment grants from institutions such as the  Bank of Industry and other agencies to channel such assistance.

Abaribe who also gave account of other achievements, assured the constituents that more and more people would be accommodated as the programme progresses, adding that by doing so, the unemployment problem would be drastically reduced.

The Abia State Deputy Governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Petroleum, Chief Don Ubani, expressed  delight in the programme and applauded Senator Abaribe for always being thoughtful on the best way to engage the people and fight the war on poverty.

"I am particularly delighted on the training of the artisans on skill acquisition and now empowerment.

I hope others should emulate Senator Abaribe's effort for the good of our people", he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Eberechi Dick,  leading other royal fathers to the occasion,expressed gratitude to  Senator Abaribe, describing him as a worthy representative of the people.

EMMA UCHE, ABUJA