More than 108 market women in the Isiama community, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, have received over N12 million in business grants after presenting inspiring proposals to boost their small-scale enterprises.

The women, many of whom have struggled to grow their businesses, submitted proposals for ventures such as bulk crayfish and fish trading, tailoring, interior design, hairdressing, and bulk foodstuff sales.

Several beneficiaries stated that sums ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦300,000 would make a significant difference in improving their businesses and raising their standard of living amid the prevailing economic challenges.

The initiative was spearheaded by a son of the community, Mr. Justus Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives (FDI), an organization committed to community development and capacity building for youths and women.

Ngerebara, who acknowledged the support of his wife, Dr. Unyime, in making the project possible, said the gesture is aimed at transforming the economic fortunes of rural women.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a community. We are committed to easing the burden of economic hardship and believe this empowerment will uplift households, inspire generational change, and foster development,” he said.

He disclosed that this disbursement represents the first phase of the empowerment programme and will be tailored to each woman’s business capacity. Beneficiaries’ performances will be reviewed annually, with additional rewards for those who make effective use of the funds.

Ngerebara encouraged the women to invest wisely, grow their enterprises, and create sustainable livelihoods. He also called on men in the community to support their wives in building their businesses.

The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the community, follows earlier development interventions by the organization, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights and water facilities.

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. Sampson Ngerebara, who declared the event open, hailed the project as a landmark initiative that will significantly improve living standards and attract further empowerment programmes to the area.

A lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, delivered a talk on women’s empowerment, urging beneficiaries to remain consistent in their businesses and avoid unhealthy competition.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and interior designer, described the empowerment as a “great milestone” for the community and thanked the organizers for prioritizing rural women’s economic inclusion.