Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom Government has disbursed N31 million to 401 entrepreneurs in Small Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to support their businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was gathered that the funds which were presented through cheques were disbursed under Akwa Ibom COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus. (AK-CARES).
The Chairman of the Steering Committee of AK-CARES, Mr Emem Bob on Saturday said that the funds were to enable entrepreneurs who suffered the adverse effects of the COVID-19 scourge on their businesses to bring them back to life.
He said that the soft skill development training for beneficiaries of livelihood grants under AK-CARES was organised by Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development in Uyo.
Bob, who is also the Commissioner for Economic Development in the state said that the nomination of the beneficiaries went through a transparent process.
He commended Gov. Udom Emmanuel for giving the approval for the funds to be disbursed to the beneficiaries.
“The Akwa Ibom COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) was officially launched in the state on Aug. 29 and has been ongoing across various platforms.
“The AK-CARES is an emergency operation designed to support budgeted programme of expenditure and interventions at the state level.
“It is targeting existing and emerging vulnerable and poor households, agriculture value chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I use this opportunity to commend the Federal Government and the World Bank for coming up with this people-oriented programme, that seeks to address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the citizens,” Bob said.
Mrs Ekaette Akpan, a beneficiary while speaking to our Correspondent expressed happiness over the kind gesture of the state government, assured that the fund will upscale her business from the current stage.
Another beneficiary, Mr Udeme Ekong, said that the pandemic had impacted negatively on his business adding that he nearly lost his business if not for the intervention of the government, and promised to make good use of the money to revive his business.