The Edo State Government through the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) has disbursed a second round of grants to 362 beneficiaries whose businesses were negatively impacted by COVID-19 in five local government areas across the three senatorial districts of the State.

In a statement, the Head, Delivery Platform for DLI 1.3 (Livelihood Support) under the programme, Ms Flora Bossey, said the beneficiaries were selected in accordance with the guidelines of the programme, noting that the beneficiaries were verified and enrolled in the beneficiary database.

According to her, “the beneficiaries for the grant support were selected from Egor, Ovia North East, Esan North East, Owan West and Etsako West LGAs bringing the total beneficiaries supported by Edo State Government to 524 since the commencement of the programme.”

She added that the beneficiaries are small business operators with existing businesses, comprising youths, and vulnerable groups such as widows drawn from eligible trade areas.

“As part of the guidelines for the project implementation, the beneficiaries received training on livelihood support and soft skills, while the grants which ranged from N140,000 to N200,000 was paid directly into their bank accounts,” Bossey noted.

A beneficiary from Owan West Local Government Area, Mrs. Comfort Aigbokhai, expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for putting smiles on the face of the people.

Another beneficiary in Egor, Mr Lucky Odeh, thanked the Edo State Governor for his compassion and support to the poor and vulnerable in the State.

Eligible businesses included fashion designing, petty trading, artisans, hairdressing, shoe making, and tie and dye, among others.