More than 100 women petty traders in Bende Federal Constituency have received a significant financial boost following the disbursement of ₦200,000 each by philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, popularly known as “Ofuji.”
The empowerment programme, held on February 6, 2026, was organised under the auspices of the Chima Anyaso Foundation as part of efforts to cushion the impact of the prevailing economic challenges on grassroots entrepreneurs. In total, about ₦20 million was injected into the local economy through the initiative.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various communities across the constituency, expressed gratitude for the support, describing it as timely and impactful amid rising costs of goods and dwindling capital for small businesses.
Speaking at the event on behalf of Dr. Anyaso, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Chima Anyaso Foundation, Ezeogo Emeka Onuoha, said the intervention was carefully designed to strengthen small-scale enterprises and enhance household incomes.
“This financial assistance is intended to enhance your businesses and support your families,” Onuoha said. “We encourage all beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely to ensure sustainability, growth, and long-term economic stability.”
He noted that the foundation’s interventions are focused on practical solutions that directly touch lives at the grassroots, adding that the gesture also aligns with ongoing efforts by the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, OFR, to reposition the state’s economy.
In his remarks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Bende Local Government Area, Chief Ihechi Phillips, praised the transparency and direct impact of the programme. He contrasted the initiative with what he described as “empty political promises,” stating that the foundation’s approach provides real and accessible capital rather than symbolic gestures.
The event attracted a diverse array of political stakeholders and community leaders, cutting across party affiliations. Representatives from the ADC, APC, Labour Party, PDP, and YPP were in attendance, reflecting a rare moment of political convergence in appreciation of the humanitarian effort.
Pastor Okechukwu Dike, a PDP chieftain, described the empowerment as timely and transformative, urging constituents to continue supporting initiatives that promote economic growth and community development.
Also speaking, Lolo Arisa Okparigbo, Women’s Leader of the Ofuji Movement, assured of continued support from women across the constituency. She said the funds would not only expand businesses but also strengthen family welfare and community resilience.
The February disbursement marks the second major intervention by the Chima Anyaso Foundation in 2026. On January 1, the foundation distributed ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively to selected youths and distinguished individuals in a New Year empowerment drive across Bende.
With back-to-back outreach programmes within the first two months of the year, observers say the foundation’s sustained interventions are steadily stimulating grassroots enterprise and reinforcing economic empowerment in Bende Federal Constituency.
