The senator representing Cross River South Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, has facilitated the disbursement of N40m in grants to 400 constituents to support small businesses and improve productivity.
The empowerment programme, organised in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, was held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Calabar, where each beneficiary received N100,000.
Speaking during the event, Ekpenyong said the initiative forms part of his ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs, women and youths across the senatorial district.
“Empowering constituents economically remains one of the most sustainable ways to drive development and reduce poverty. Therefore, this initiative forms part of my continuous effort to support entrepreneurs, women and youths across the senatorial district,” he said.
According to him, the SMEDAN-supported intervention is aimed at helping beneficiaries expand their small businesses, improve productivity and create additional sources of income for their families and communities.
“This intervention is designed to help beneficiaries expand their small businesses, improve productivity and create additional sources of income for their families and communities,” he added.
Ekpenyong assured constituents that the programme was only one of several interventions planned for the district.
He disclosed that preparations were underway for a larger empowerment programme expected to reach more residents across the seven local government areas of Cross River South.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the senator for facilitating the grant and creating opportunities for grassroots economic growth.
One of the beneficiaries, Nsa Effiom, described the intervention as timely, noting that the support would help strengthen his business and improve his livelihood.
Similarly, Benedicta Itayip commended Ekpenyong for remembering ordinary constituents and ensuring that empowerment programmes reach people at the grassroots.
They also prayed for continued success for the senator and pledged to use the grant productively to grow their businesses.
The event was attended by community leaders, stakeholders and beneficiaries from different parts of the senatorial district, many of whom described the programme as another impactful intervention by the lawmaker.
