Five hundred Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMEs) from the South East have been empowered by President Tinubu’s support group, Renewed Hope Agenda.

The businessmen and women got cash ranging from N200,000 and N50,000 respectively while another twenty got grinding and sowing machines at the event held in Owerri, on Friday.

The National Coordinator of the group, Belusochukwu Enwere, while addressing the beneficiaries, said that the program aimed to uplift enterprising Nigerians by supporting their skills and businesses to drive economic growth.

Enwere, who is also the National President of the Youth Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), said “The program seeks to empower thousands of youths and women across the South East region.

“During this first phase of the empowerment program, ₦200,000 would be given to one hundred business men and women each. Another ₦100,000 each would be given to 200 SMEs, ₦50,000 each to five hundred people while ₦20,000 each would be given to five hundred indigent families.

“In addition to the financial aid, skilled individuals were provided with tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines, and other equipment to support their businesses. Beneficiaries also received bags of rice as Christmas hampers.”

Enwere emphasised that the program aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s objective of connecting citizens to government policies and ensuring they benefit from the dividends of democracy.

He praised Tinubu for implementing reforms, such as local government autonomy, which he said would enhance grassroots development, and tax reforms aimed at boosting businesses and reducing excessive taxation.

The event also featured a keynote address by Professor Frank Aneto from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Speaking on the topic, “Empowering South East Nigeria for Economic Emancipation and Prosperity,” he underscored the importance of youth empowerment and political emancipation in unlocking the region’s economic potential.