Anambra First Lady Empowers Over 1,000 Women Traders in Dunukofia With Financial Support

 

A wave of economic relief swept through Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State as over 1,000 women received financial empowerment to support and expand their small businesses. The initiative, spearheaded by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, directly benefited 1,085 women, most of whom are informal traders known as Ndi Afia Table — a local term used for women who trade in markets using small tables as makeshift stalls.

The event, which held at the Dunukofia Local Government Secretariat, marked a significant moment for these hardworking women who often bear the economic strain of supporting their families through petty trading. The intervention is expected to boost their businesses and enable them to become more economically self-reliant.

Mrs. Soludo addressed the enthusiastic crowd with heartfelt words, emphasizing the critical role women play in family and society. According to her, empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to uplift entire communities.

“This empowerment programme is designed to give your businesses the push they need. It may seem like a small beginning, but with dedication and discipline, it can become something much bigger,” she told the beneficiaries.

She encouraged the women to use the funds wisely and to consider forming trustworthy relationships with their suppliers. By building such trust, she noted, they could secure goods on credit and pay back after sales, thereby creating a sustainable cycle of growth for their businesses.

“You must remain honest in your dealings. That is the key to long-term success. Once your suppliers trust you, they will continue to support you. Use this opportunity to grow your business step by step,” Mrs. Soludo added.

The empowerment initiative was made possible through collaboration with notable philanthropists, including renowned oil tycoon Prince Arthur Eze and businessman Jim Martin Nwabueze. Both men provided the financial resources that made the empowerment possible, and were praised by Mrs. Soludo for their commitment to grassroots economic sustainability.

She lauded their generosity and described their involvement as a reflection of deep empathy for the struggles of the less privileged. “They have shown us what it means to give back to society in a meaningful way. Their contributions will not only transform individual lives but will also ripple into broader economic stability for our communities,” she said.

Beyond the day’s event, the governor’s wife also drew attention to ongoing state-led efforts to support small and medium-scale businesses. She highlighted the role of the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) in providing low-interest loans and grants to organized cooperatives.

According to Mrs. Soludo, ASBA offers a viable pathway for scaling up small businesses through structured financial and advisory support. She urged the beneficiaries to organize themselves into cooperatives in order to qualify for this additional assistance.

“There is more support available. ASBA is open to every cooperative that is ready and committed. You can access larger funds, training, and the tools to move from petty trading to small-scale enterprises. Do not stop with what you’re receiving today—keep pushing forward,” she advised.

The women who received the financial support expressed deep gratitude, noting that the intervention could not have come at a better time. For many of them, rising inflation and stagnant capital have made trading increasingly difficult. With renewed capital, they now see a path toward stabilizing their businesses and securing better livelihoods for their families.

Joy Eze, a beneficiary who sells vegetables at the local market, shared her excitement: “This money will help me restock my table and also pay off some small debts. It may look like a little help, but to us, it is a big relief.”

Community leaders and local officials present at the event echoed similar sentiments, praising Mrs. Soludo for her hands-on approach and commitment to grassroots development. They described the empowerment programme as timely and urged for more such collaborations between government and private philanthropists.

The Dunukofia empowerment programme marks yet another milestone in the administration’s broader strategy to tackle poverty, empower women, and boost microeconomic growth across the state. As these 1,085 women return to their stalls with renewed hope and capital, the impact of the initiative will likely be felt not just in their homes but throughout the local economy.