COVID-19: Govnt Distributes N31 million to 401 Beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom

 BY: News Peddlers 

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel 

The Akwa Ibom state government distributed N31 million to 401 entrepreneurs on Saturday to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds were distributed through cheques as part of the Akwa Ibom COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Plan (AK-CARES).

Emem Bob, chairman of the AK-CARES committee, stated that the funds were intended to help entrepreneurs who had been harmed by the COVID-19 scourge.

He stated that the Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development in Uyo organized the soft skill development training for beneficiaries of livelihood grants.

Mr. Bob, who is also the Commissioner for Economic Development, stated that the beneficiaries were chosen in a transparent manner.

He praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for approving the funds' distribution to the beneficiaries.

"On August 29, the Akwa Ibom COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) was officially launched in the state and has been ongoing across various platforms."

"AK-CARES is an emergency operation designed to support the state's budgeted program of expenditure and interventions. NC

"It is aimed at existing and emerging vulnerable and impoverished households, agricultural value chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the Covid-19 pandemic."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Government and the World Bank for developing these people-oriented programs to address the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizens," Mr. Bob said.

One of the recipients, Ekaette Akpan, expressed her gratitude to the state government during her speech.

Mrs. Akpan stated that the pandemic had had a negative impact on her business, but she assured that the fund would scale it up from its current level.

Another beneficiary, Udeme Ekong, said the pandemic had hurt his business.

Mr Ekong stated that he would have gone out of business if the government had not intervened, promising to put the money to good use in reviving his business.

NAN