Governor Peter Mbah Launches N4.6 Billion Input and Grant Distribution in Enugu State
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has initiated the distribution of inputs and grants valued at over N4.6 billion to farmers, communities, and IT startups across the state. This effort aligns with his administration’s goals of enhancing food security, promoting agro-industrialization, and supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
At a ceremony held at Okpara Square in Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of empowering small-scale entrepreneurs for sustainable development, noting that these businesses are crucial to the state’s economic growth.
Agricultural Support Initiatives
Mbah announced that 12,000 small-holder farmers in the state would each receive one bag of fertilizer, generously provided by the federal government. Additionally, 51 power tillers, each valued at N2 million, will be distributed to farmers within various farming clusters in Enugu State.
Further, the government will distribute agricultural inputs, including rice and bean seedlings, cassava stems, organic fertilizers, and herbicides, to 1,251 beneficiaries across all 17 local government areas.
The governor also highlighted plans to improve rural road networks, ensuring that the emerging farming clusters in rural areas are well-connected and not isolated.
MSME Development Efforts
Governor Mbah outlined the administration’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, with a total of N1 billion earmarked for this purpose. Women-owned businesses are set to receive 80% of these funds. The intervention includes the disbursement of N60,000 to over 16,000 nano-enterprise owners, with women being the primary beneficiaries.
Mbah explained that this focus on women is due to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women, particularly in rural communities. Additionally, N400,000 will be given to 187 beneficiaries, and N7.5 million each will be awarded to 10 tech startups. Solar equipment operational grants will be provided to 256 beneficiaries, and items such as laptops and POS terminals will be distributed to 269 recipients.
Combatting Open Defecation and Enhancing Sanitation
The governor also announced an initiative to end open defecation in the state by the end of 2024. This effort includes a N15 million water provision and sanitation project spread across 135 communities, which will involve the construction of modern boreholes, toilet facilities, and the provision of power generators at town halls, markets, and schools.
Agricultural and Social Development Advocacy
Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Patrick Ubru, urged farmers and other beneficiaries to use the provided inputs and grants wisely to create jobs, revolutionize agriculture, and boost the state’s economy.
Speaking on the COVID Action Recovery Stimulus Programme (EN-NG CARES), Acting General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Ugochukwu Igwunnadi, explained that the initiative aims to support impoverished and vulnerable households through financial resources. Each community under the programme will receive a budget of 15 million naira, including a 5% community counterpart contribution facilitated by the Community Project Management Committee (CPMC).
In his remarks, Romanus Eze, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State Chapter, assured the governor that the farmers and other beneficiaries would make effective use of the support provided, pledging not to disappoint the government.
