By Chinenyeh Ozor

Nsukka— Over 700 traders have been empowered through Enugu State traders raffle draw initiated by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to boast economic activities and improve the businesses of traders in the state.

President, Enugu State Traders Association, Mr Temple Udeh, disclosed this during the traders’ raffle draw held at Ibagwa Nkwo market in Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, adding that the raffle draw empowerment scheme of the governor has assisted the lucky winners of the raffle in no small measure in their various trades.

Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

Udeh noted that 100 winners smiled home with N50,000 each as empowerment to maximise their trades, pointing out that the traders have endorsed the governor for a second term  come 2019 general elections in the country to show appreciation for what he has done for them.

Earlier in a welcome address, chairman, Nsukka Zonal Amalgamated Traders Association, NZATA, Mr Dominic Ezema, said Nkwo Ibeagwa market remained the oldest in Nsukka zone, which has contributed immensely to the economic growth of the zone and the state in general.

He said the visit of the governor for the raffle draw demonstrated the love he has for traders in the state.

In his speech, Governor  Ugwuanyi urged traders to be their brothers’ keeper and show kindness to one another irrespective of  tribe, religion and political affiliations.

The governor called on the local government council chairmen and other political office holders in the state to take the dividends of democracy to the grassroots to enable others feel the impact of good governance.

“What makes you a good person is sharing what you have with those around you rather than enjoying alone with your family.   I believe in the philosophy of chop and allow your brother to chop because it promotes love, peace and unity,” he said.

The governor said his aim of instituting the N50,000 raffle draw for 100 lucky traders in each market of the state was to assist them turn around their ventures of trade to maximise profit for the future.

“Since the raffle draw started in March 2017, about 700 traders across the state have won N50,000 each. Government is happy how traders in the state have been carrying out their business peacefully as well as being law abiding,” he said.

Ugwuanyi urged people of the state to continue to pray for the state government, adding that whatsoever his administration had achieved was because of God’s love and blessings as Enugu State is in the hands of God.

Highlight of the ocassion was the presentation of N50, 000 cheques to seven lucky winners present among the 100 lucky winners of the draw by the governor at Nkwo Ibagwa Aka market.