Reps member, Godday partners NDE to empower 300 constituents on micro trading

By Peter Ochohepo

The Honourable member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Samuel Odagboyi Godday in collaboration with the office of the Director General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has provided financial support for small busines owners across the constituency.

Recall that the Honourable Member had on several occasions visited the National Directorate of Employment for the sole purpose of establishing a functional and beneficial relationship with the Directorate through the office of the Director General.

Thankfully, the collaboration is already paying off as the benefits unfold in bits.

Earlier today, the office of the DG, National Directorate of Employment disbursed cash through the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES) to 300 petty traders selected from across the 21 council wards of Apa and Agatu local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Member, his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Ben Eka, noted that the disbursement was to support the poorest amongst the poor (especially women) who made the noble choice of venturing into micro enterprises to cater for themselves and their families.

He further emphasized that the selection process was devoid of political party or any other affiliation but strictly based on verified micro business owners.

He charged the beneficiaries to properly utilized the stipends in adding value to their businesses while urging the good people of Apa/Agatu to continually support and pray for the Honourable Member as more gestures will spring up in due course.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Martha Ngbede expressed profound gratitude to the people’s honourable, observing that it is a rare practice within the constituency for a politician to recognise the plight of the poor and select non party faithfuls nor political allies for such a beneficial program.

Fatima Mohammed on the other hand thanked Hon. Godday for coming to their aide unexpectedly at a time as this when small businesses are witnessing challenging setbacks due to financial decline.

Speaking on behalf of NDE, Mallam Musa Sadauki, the Benue State coordinator charged beneficiaries to see the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES) as part of government’s efforts to encourage small business owners.

He further noted that the Directorate would continue to partner with the office of the Honourable Member to curtail the challenge of unemployment within the constituency.