The Leo Stan Foundation chaired by the chairman of Zinox Technology Limited, Chief Leo Stan Eke has began an empowerment programme for petty traders in Imo State.
The Director- General of the foundation, Mr. Amasike Emeluonye who addressed press men during the commencement of the section, Monday for Owerri Zone traders, stated that it is a programme geared towards empowering not just the people of the state but also the selected few in the whole states in Nigeria.
He pointed out that as they believe that charity begins at home, they decided to begin from the state; from the aforementioned zone where the chairman of foundation hails from, adding that from Wednesday they would extent it to Orlu Zone and to Okigwe Zone on Friday.
He clarified “We are giving an interest free loan of N20, 000 to the lowest level of business traders; petty traders who are already into the business and not for the ones that are yet to begin such business or for big business traders, ‘he maintained.
The DG revealed that they have budgeted to empower 1300 traders in the state which according to him, two persons each would be selected from each autonomous community by their kings.
He opined that for the ones who came even when they were not selected that they have taken cognizance of them and would see what they could do for them in subsequent programmes, adding that at the moment the foundation could not do anything for them as they are working with a fixed budget.
One of the beneficiaries; an indigent widow, Mrs. Nkwocha Eunice commended the organizers of the programme, stating that it is really laudable for the foundation to have remembered them and thought it wise to support their businesses.
Nkwocha averred that the foundation has began well and that they believe that the best is yet to come.
NIGERIA HORN
