Natasha Akpoti Impact investment Rolls out Second Phase of Empowerment, Beneficiaries get up to N100,000 Each
Natasha Akpoti Impact Investment Limited (NAIIL) has rolled out the second phase of the 5,000 women/your empowerment program flagged off in August 2019.
The Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last Kogi Gubernatorial election, Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti who is equally the Founder/CEO of Natasha Akpoti Impact Investment Limited (NAIIL) has disbursed as much as 100,000 naira to each beneficiaries in the second phase.
While signing approval and disbursement for the beneficiaries, Barr. Natasha Akpoti commended the industrious women and youth who took good advantage of the program to grow their businesses and improve on their well being without defaulting on the repayment terms.
We have carefully evaluated our beneficiaries in the first batch before we selected for second batch. We looked at those who defaulted; those that complied; the improvement on their businesses and personal lives; challenges facing their businesses and the rest. These factors are necessary in achieving our goal of improving the lives of the rural poor.” I urge the defaulters to comply in order to earn more for themselves and pave way for other needies.
Reinstating her commitment to Social Impact, Natasha said “all big businesses start small; and supporting our SMEs financially is our little way of appreciating the roles women and youths play in growing the grassroots economy. This little seed has really shown that what our people lack most and need most is just an opportunity to grow. I shall continue to do every little thing that I know would be of help to our people. I commend my team for the good work they have been doing to sustain the program”.
Speaking on the major tasks and challenges of the program, the NAIIL Head of Operations, a microfinance expert, Mrs. Aminat Jibrin noted that while some of the beneficiaries have shown total compliance with the terms of repayment, others are yet to pay back. In her words “we recoverd a good sum in Kogi East but recorded a very low response in the West and Central. It has not been easy getting these funds recovered but the underline success of improved business and lives of our people will not let us get discouraged. We will ensure everyone pay back because that is the only way we can extend the benefit to others who are seriously waiting for the opportunity.
Also reacting to this development, the Managing Director of the empowerment program, Mr. Muhammed Bello Sadiq (BMS) said that all the second batch beneficiaries have received alert of disbursement as at early morning of Tuesday March 3, 2020.
Speaking on some of the future plans, Mr. Bello mentioned that the operational module of the program will be reviewed to ensure sustainability and strict compliance by beneficiaries. “This program cannot run without staff and office maintenance alongside other operational logistics. We cannot also have people who benefit and show zero response. We shall come up with a robust plan that will address these areas” He add.
Some of the beneficiaries of the second batch include; Uchola Mary (Ibaji LG, Fish farmer, N100,000), Abdullahi Abdulhadi (Idah LG, Yam famer, N100,000), Onuche Monica (Ankpa LG, Garri trader, N50,000), Sani Memuna (Igala-mela LG, Rice trader, #50,000), Yahaya Mariam (Dekina LG, Popcorn seller, N50,000), Daniel Onuja (Dekina LG, Cashew nut trader, #50,000).
Others are; Shaibu Osueri Sabdat (Okehi LG, Yam trader, N100,000), Tijani Hassana (Okene LG, Trader, N100,000), Sumaila Okidi Kariyetu (Ajaokuta LG, Provisions trader, N50,000), Balogun Rebecca Oyiza (Okene LG, Food stuffs trader, N100,000), Salawu Sikirat Onyijimoh (Adavi LG, Fruit seller, N100,000), Sadiq Rukayat (Adavi LG, Food stuffs trader, N100,000), Comfort Yusuf Tewa ( Okehi LG, cloth weaver, N50,000), Sanni Adijatu Ovayoza (Okehi LG, Knitting, N100,000).
