The distribution of agriculture inputs and grants totaling over N4.6 billion to farmers, communities, and IT startups in Enugu State was officially launched by Governor Peter Mbah.
Governor Mbah emphasized that this initiative is aimed at boosting food security, promoting agro-industrialization, and supporting the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
At the symbolic flag-off event held at Okpara Square in Enugu on Thursday, the governor underscored the significance of empowering small-scale entrepreneurs for sustainable economic advancement, referring to them as the cornerstone of economic progress that necessitates essential support.
Governor Mbah announced that 12,000 smallholder farmers will each receive a bag of fertilizer, courtesy of the Federal Government’s donation to all states.
Furthermore, 51 power tillers valued at N2 million each will be provided to farmers in different farming clusters across the state, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to agricultural development and the growth of MSMEs.
“Today, we are also commencing the distribution of agricultural inputs to 1,251 beneficiaries spanning the 17 local government areas. These inputs comprise of rice and bean seedlings, cassava stems, organic fertilizers, herbicides, among others,” stated Governor Mbah.
Additionally, he outlined plans to improve several rural roads to enhance connectivity and ensure that burgeoning farming clusters in the rural areas of the state are not isolated entities.
Governor Mbah allocated N1 billion in support of MSMEs, with a significant 80 percent of the sum earmarked for women-owned enterprises.
“The entrepreneurship intervention program being unveiled today is valued at N1 billion. This includes disbursing N60,000 to over 16,000 beneficiaries, predominantly consisting of owners of nano-enterprises, with an 80:20 ratio in favor of women.
Under our MSMEs initiative, we are also granting N400,000 to 187 beneficiaries. Further initiatives being launched include providing N7.5 million each to 10 tech startups, operational grants for solar equipment to 256 beneficiaries, and offering items such as laptop computers and POS terminals to 269 beneficiaries,” he outlined.
Governor Mbah highlighted the state’s campaign against open defecation with the aim to eradicate the menace by the end of 2024.
“We are introducing a water provision and sanitation improvement project valued at N15 million across 135 communities, totaling over N2 billion.
This initiative includes constructing state-of-the-art boreholes, toilet facilities, and supplying power generators in locations like town halls, markets, and schools,” he elaborated.
In his address, Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization Commissioner Patrick Ubru urged farmers and beneficiaries to utilize the inputs and grants prudently to generate employment opportunities, catalyze an agricultural revolution, and bolster the state’s economy.
Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Enugu State chapter, Romanus Eze, reassured the governor that the farmers and beneficiaries are committed to reciprocating the government’s substantial support.
“The favorable conditions provided will not be squandered. We pledge tangible outcomes because with great support comes great expectations,” he affirmed.