The Edo State Government has distributed cash and essential equipment to petty traders in two major markets in Oredo Local Government Area as part of efforts to tackle poverty, strengthen informal businesses and improve the economic conditions of vulnerable households.
The intervention, organised by the Edo State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MHAPA), provided beneficiaries with wheelbarrows, wet and dry grinding machines, as well as cash assistance to support their trading activities and improve their capacity to generate income.
The programme is designed to ease the financial challenges confronting small-scale business operators, strengthen their productive capacity and promote self-reliance among low-income earners who depend on petty trading for their livelihoods.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Dr Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, described the initiative as one of the most rewarding aspects of public service, given its direct impact on the lives and economic well-being of ordinary citizens.
Idaomi said she would gladly embark on empowerment programmes every day if given the opportunity, stressing that providing vulnerable residents with the tools and resources to sustain their businesses was a practical way of tackling poverty and improving household welfare.
She commended the Edo State Government for its commitment to social inclusion, poverty reduction and grassroots development, emphasising the need for interventions that deliver direct economic benefits to residents, particularly those operating in the informal sector.
Also speaking, Martins, a representative of Mat-Ice, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting humanitarian programmes through its corporate social responsibility interventions.
He pledged increased support and donations for subsequent empowerment exercises, noting that stronger partnerships between government and the private sector would help expand the reach of such programmes and extend assistance to more vulnerable residents.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Raphael Treasure Itohan expressed appreciation to the state government and the ministry, saying the assistance would strengthen her family’s livelihood and improve its financial stability.
Related News
Source: