In a proactive move to alleviate economic hardships within the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong orchestrated an impactful workshop on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Channel View Hotel, Calabar. The workshop focused on economic empowerment, featuring the distribution of grants and essential business items to over 700 constituents NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The diverse array of distributed items included laptops, sewing machines, deep freezers, fridges, generators, grinding machines, and tricycles (Keke Napep). This comprehensive approach is designed to equip constituents in various sectors, such as technology, tailoring, food storage, and transportation, fostering economic strength. 
Working in collaboration with SMEDAN and Trust Fund Microfinance Bank, Senator Ekpenyong ensured that over 500 women and young people received grants ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for Micro and Small businesses. The impact of this initiative reached constituents across the seven local government areas constituting the Cross River Southern Senatorial District.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the transformative impact of the distributed items and grants on their lives and businesses. Prince Bassey Ita Edet (Baddest), a Tricycle recipient, commended Senator Ekpenyong as a champion of grassroots development. Jane Ekeng from Calabar South, a female beneficiary of a Tricycle, described the Senator as a great listener, achiever, and grassroots developer focused on making Cross River South great.
Mabel Effiom, an entrepreneur who received a sewing machine, conveyed, “This gesture has opened up new possibilities for me. With this sewing machine, I can now expand my tailoring business and support my family.” Offiong Essien, a deep freezer recipient, shared, “Thanks to Senator Ekpenyong, I can now store more products and increase my sales, improving my livelihood.”
A recipient of the ₦200,000 business grant expressed optimism about the future, stating, “This grant has provided me with the capital I need to invest in my business and take it to the next level. I am grateful to Senator Ekpenyong for believing in us and empowering us to succeed.”
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s economic intervention reflects a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, alleviating economic hardship, and creating a pathway to sustainable economic growth within communities.
