Human Capital Advancement: Super Comrade Joseph Evah Empowers Niger-Delta Small Business Owners and People with Disabilities

In Lagos, Nigeria, the Ijaw Monitoring Group (IMG) reaffirmed its commitment to the Niger Delta by boosting small business entrepreneurs and individuals with disabilities at the Microfinance Grants Day, held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Mercy Hall in Magodo, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos State. Over 3,000 innovative men, women, and youths got empowered with soft loans to further enhance their businesses and livelihoods, highlighting the transformative power of support and initiative.

Super Comrade Joseph Evah, Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, underscored the initiative’s importance in empowering Niger-Delta indigenes in Lagos by reducing unemployment, fostering self-sufficiency, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship. He noted that the programme, which began in 2002, was a response to the aftermath of the Ijaw/OPC-Yoruba conflict, aiming to counter the stigma against Ijaw and Niger-Delta people in Lagos by devising strategies that drive economic growth.

During the event, Comrade Evah presented cheques and popcorn machines to people with disabilities, small business owners, and organisations to support their ventures. He emphasised the entrepreneurial spirit of the Niger Delta people, contrasting it with what he described as the lethargy of political leaders who fail to develop smart strategies for economic growth. Evah called on the community to organise themselves under a central body to qualify for government interventions and stressed the importance of timely loan repayment to sustain their businesses.

He also Eulogised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack OON as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Guest speaker Mrs. Tina Wilfred Igumbor highlighted the role of microfinance grants in enhancing small businesses and contributing to national economic growth. She stressed the importance of understanding the business for which a loan is sought and using it effectively to ensure success.

Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), praised Comrade Evah for his dedication to the welfare of his people and urged the government to expand such initiatives. He admonished the beneficiaries to use the loans judiciously to improve their financial situation.

Comrade Joseph Evah assured continued support from the Ijaw Monitoring Group across various sectors, including farming, fishing, poultry, agro-allied businesses, entrepreneurship, ICT investments, skill acquisition, wealth creation awareness, food processing, and creative industries. The IMG’s development efforts aim to nurture emerging sectors and support established ones for increased global impact.