₦30 Million Grant Uplifts 300 Entrepreneurs in Cross River South, Boosting Grassroots Business Growth

In a major boost to grassroots enterprise, 300 small-scale entrepreneurs in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State have received grants of ₦100,000 each, totalling ₦30 million, to grow and sustain their businesses. The beneficiaries—comprising petty traders, small business owners, and rural farmers—reflect the diverse face of local enterprise in a region where access to finance remains a persistent challenge.

The empowerment initiative was made possible through a strategic collaboration involving Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Iwari Global Synergy Ltd. The intervention is part of a broader effort to drive inclusive economic growth by investing in the engine room of the Nigerian economy: micro and small businesses.

Speaking at the grant distribution ceremony, Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua, who represented Senator Ekpenyong, emphasized the senator’s belief in bottom-up development and his continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the district.

“Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong understands that economic growth starts at the bottom. By empowering our local entrepreneurs, he is building a future where prosperity is not a privilege but a possibility for all,” Oqua said.

He assured constituents that this would not be a one-time gesture, pledging sustained support through partnerships with federal agencies and development institutions.

Dr. Fortune Etu, SMEDAN’s Cross River State Manager, hailed the initiative as timely and transformative, noting the critical role MSMEs play in national development. He encouraged beneficiaries to reinvest the funds strategically, improve their business practices, and take advantage of training opportunities to scale up.

“Small businesses are the engine of Nigeria’s economy. Bridging the financing gap is essential for job creation, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods,” he stated.

For many recipients, the grant represents more than financial aid—it is a symbol of recognition and hope. Iquo Etim, a smallholder farmer, shared how the intervention would enable her to expand her farm and improve yields:

“This is a lifeline. We thank the senator for remembering us. With this support, I can increase production. It means a lot to us,” she said.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic inclusion agenda, highlighting how targeted, grassroots-level interventions can help close development gaps, stimulate productivity, and empower citizens to take control of their economic futures. In a region like Cross River South, where infrastructure and financial access remain limited, this grant scheme offers a practical model for scalable, people-centred development.