OVER 300 EDO WOMEN RECEIVE BUSINESS GRANTS

More than 300 women in Edo State have received micro-business grants aimed at supporting small businesses and improving economic independence across the state.

The Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, disclosed this in a statement following the distribution of the grants in Benin City.

She said the programme was designed to strengthen women-owned businesses and create better economic opportunities for families, particularly among beneficiaries from Edo Central and Edo North.

According to her, many women in the state are involved in trading, agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, petty businesses and crafts but often need modest financial support to expand their operations.

Okpebholo-Anani urged the beneficiaries to treat the grants as seed capital and invest the funds in areas that would grow their businesses, including increasing stock, purchasing equipment, improving services and reaching more customers.

She also encouraged the women to keep proper financial records, separate business funds from personal expenses and reinvest part of their profits.

The Zonal Head of Business, South-South 1 Zone of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Vivian Amoen, similarly advised the beneficiaries to use the grants for productive ventures rather than spending them on temporary material needs.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, saying the financial support would help improve their businesses and livelihoods.