By NewsCritic Reporters
Abia State born Entrepreneur and philanthropist Chief (Engr) Chris Akachukwu Nwa-Abia has expended N5 Million in grant to 50 micro business owners in Ohuhu Umuahia North LGA, with each receiving the sum of N100,000 as part of his efforts to help revitalise the rural economy and assist start-ups, and struggling businesses in the communities.
NewsCritic online reports that earlier, Chief Chris Akachukwu Nwa-Abia through the Chris Nwa-Abia Foundation had sponsored the registration of over 100 medium, small and micro enterprises, MSMEs, with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
The registration of the businesses with SMEDAN is to enable the private business owners in Ohuhu have access to government loans, and other business support services, including training and mentorship programmes. To qualify for the Chris Nwa-Abia business grant, the business must be registered with SMEDAN, and verified by the committee set up to screen and select prospective beneficiaries based on merit.
On Tuesday 20th June, 2023 the first set of 34 beneficiaries were presented with the N100,000 grant each at a ceremony held at the Umuda Okorocha civic hall. The second batch of the winners numbering 16 were on Monday 18 July handed over the remaining grant at a brief ceremony. This brings the total number of the beneficiaries of the Chris Nwa-Abia grant to 50 (fifty) as he promised earlier.
While presenting the cash to the beneficiaries, the representative of the Chris Nwa-Abia Foundation and Chairman of the Grant payment Committee, Comrade Chika Nwabueze, congratulated the winners for having been found worthy of receiving the grant.
He reminded them that the sponsor Chris Nwa-Abia is concerned about the rural economy and on how to contribute to its economic growth and poverty alleviation, hence he decided to fund 50 micro businesses to the tune of 5 million Naira to help them stabilize.
Comrd Chika Nwabueze maintained that the grant is purely a gesture for business owners and those who need it, and not politically motivated as many people might be tempted to think. The beneficiaries, he said were drawn from all the communities in Ohuhu irrespective of political party affiliations and or interests.
In his brief message to the beneficiaries before the payment of the grant, which was read on his behalf by the Committee Chairman, Chris Nwa-Abia promised to do his best to ensure that more grants will be made available to the serious businesses again after review”.
Some of the excited beneficiaries in the response thanked the sponsor for his love for humanity and for extending the grant to them, the first individual business grant paid to the people of Ohuhu. Anointing Ikechukwu Ayozie, who commended Chris Nwa-Abia, said they are happy with what he is doing in Ohuhu, adding that he is not the only person in Ohuhu. He assured that the money would be invested in their businesses and it will grow by the next visit of the committee.
The duo of Emmanuel Ugbaja and Esther Ogbuagu thanked Chris Nwa-Abia for his benevolence and prayed God to continue to bless him so that he will continue to be a blessing to humanity. They assured that the funds will be well utilized in promoting their businesses. They appreciated the committee for doing a thorough job devoid of sentiments.
