For thousands of women whose daily livelihoods depend on petty trading, access to additional business capital can make a significant difference in sustaining their enterprises.
This was the focus of an empowerment outreach in Calabar, Cross River State, where former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Betta Edu, distributed ₦50,000 each to 500 selected market women and small-scale traders.
The financial intervention, amounting to ₦25 million, was undertaken on behalf of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to support women operating small businesses and improve their economic activities.
The programme also attracted more than 5,000 market women mobilised from different markets across Calabar, who participated in an engagement centred on economic empowerment and the political activities of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Edu, Co-Director of the Women Mobilisation Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, used the occasion to communicate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election message and the political aspirations of Governor Bassey Otu.
She urged the women to maintain contact with their communities and sustain grassroots engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Beyond the cash grants, the event featured a series of entertainment activities and reward presentations.
Beneficiaries and other participants had opportunities to win deep freezers, blenders, toasters, luxury dresses and additional financial prizes through a lively dance competition.
The celebration provided an atmosphere of interaction, excitement and appreciation, with some participants offering prayers for President Tinubu and expressing gratitude for the intervention.
One participant was quoted as saying: “Mr President, thank you. God bless you. Cross River will vote for you and sweet Prince!”
Speaking during the engagement, Edu called on the women to reach out to other traders, neighbours and households as part of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The ₦50,000 support is expected to provide additional working capital for the beneficiaries, particularly those who depend on daily sales to maintain their businesses and meet family responsibilities.
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For small-scale traders, access to modest financial assistance can help improve inventory, strengthen cash flow and provide opportunities for business continuity.
The Calabar outreach combined economic support with political engagement, bringing together thousands of women from different markets across the state.
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