As part of the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Anambra State Council, held a one-day Health and Economic Awareness Workshop in Awka with the theme: Reclaiming the Civic space in the midst of Economic Hardship.

Representing Her Excellency Dr. Nonye Soludo, Dr. Ngozi Eke of the Ministry of Health and the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, emphasized daily exercise, backyard farming for nutrition and drug-free living. She outlined six pillars of wellness; Fitness, Healthy diet, Avoiding drug abuse, Reproductive health, Personal and environmental hygiene and Basic Life Saving Skills (BLSS) while a Red Cross official, Mrs. Nkechinyere Nnaji, demonstrated CPR techniques.

Declaring the event open on behalf of Governor Charles Soludo, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Protocol Officer, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, stressed that discipline is key to both healthy living and financial success. He urged workers to think outside the box and create sustainable side hustles.

Taking the floor afterwards, the Managing Director/CEO of Anambra state Small Business Agency, Clement Chukwuka, explained ASBA’s mandate, highlighting the SOLUTION CIVIL SERVANTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOAN SCHEME – a strategic initiative of the Soludo administration designed for civil servants that has attained gratuity status and above, to prepare them for life after retirement through business ownership.

He urged civil servants to approach the scheme with honesty of purpose, ”Loans are not for rent, school fees or luxury. They are seed funds for sustainable enterprise”, he said, while outlining the loan access process through registered cooperatives and necessary certifications.

The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC)Anambra Chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor in an interview, described the event as a rallying call for Workers not only to demand better conditions but also to take control of their health and economic future.

NUJ Chairman and NLC executive, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, commended ASBA’s efforts and assured that workers would engage the agency to access the loan scheme.

The event underscored a powerful takeaway: Anambra workers must be healthy, financially smart and civically engaged to thrive and lead in challenging times.

Other officials in Attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, NUT Chairperson amongst others.

The conversation covered key achievements, partnerships,challenges, and future plans under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo.
The MD/CEO began by highlighting the Agency’s key achievements since Governor Soludo took office.”The Anambra State Small Business Agency has played a pivotal role in advancing the growth of Micro,small and medium(MSMEs) businesses, which are vital to the state’s economic prosperity,”he remarked. He emphasized the Agency’s efforts in offering financial assistance, capacity building, among others to small enterprises.

Speaking on the direct benefits of ASBA’s initiatives, the MD/CEO revealed that several programs had been launched to address the specific needs of small and medium business owners in the state. Among the most notable initiatives are:(i)ASBA’s SME facilities
(ii)ASBA’s One Youth 2 Skills funding program
(iii)ASBA’s Igwebuike(co-operative)funding scheme, also the UNDP/EU N100,000 grant and training program etc,which had a direct impact on increasing business revenue and creating jobs.
“We have focused on providing both financial resources and training to ensure that small businesses not only survive but thrive,” he said.

Chukwuka also shared that ASBA has partnered with both public and private sector to enhance it’s outreach and effectiveness.”Our collaborations with ANSIPPA and Ministry of Industry have been instrumental in expanding the reach of our programs” he noted.
This teamwork has helped drive sustainable growth in the state’s small business sector.
The Agency is also collaborating with the Bank of Industry to ensure more funding package for on-lending purposes to the MSMEs bracket in the state.

On empowerment and Capacity Building, Capacity-building initiatives have also been central to the Agency’s strategy, with numerous training programs and workshops designed to improve the skills of local entrepreneurs. “Our goal is to equip small business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, especially in areas like Financial literacy, digital marketing and Business development/Export” the MD/CEO explained.

Addressing Challenges, the conversation also touched on the challenges faced by ASBA in fulfilling its mandate. Despite the hurdles, such as limited resources,the Agency has remained resilient.

The MD/CEO shared how ASBA quickly adapted to provide relief during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial support and business continuity strategies for affected enterprises.

In the area of Economic Impact and Future Plans,Clement Chukwuka spoke about the measurable economic impact of ASBA’s programs on local businesses, noting an increase in employment rates and overall business growth in Anambra State. Looking to the future, he outlined the Agency’s plans for sustaining these gains, with a focus on long-term development strategies and continued collaboration with stakeholders.

On outreach to Rural Areas,ensuring that small business owners in rural areas have access to ASBA’s resources is a priority, the MD/CEO highlighted the agency’s efforts to extend its reach beyond urban centers. “We are committed to making sure that small businesses in every corner of Anambra have access to the resources and support they need to grow,”he affirmed. He advised them to form a Co-operative Association for easier funding scheme.

In conclusion, the MD/CEO encouraged small business owners to take full advantage of the Agency’s services. “I urge all small business owners to reach out to us, as we have the resources, programs, and partnerships to help them succeed,” he said.

The interview concluded with the MD/CEO reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the success of small businesses in Anambra. As the Soludo-led government continues its term, ASBA remains a key player in fostering a thriving business environment in the state.

For more information on Anambra State Small Business Agency’s programs and how to access them, small business owners are encouraged to visit our website asba.anambrastate.gov.ng.

As part of our commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, this session will provide valuable insights into expanding credit opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State.

To ensure proper dissemination of information, the session will be conducted in two formats: a physical event and a virtual session. Please find the details below

Physical Event:
Date: October 15, 2024
Time: 10AM
Venue: International Convention Center, Awka, Anambra State

Virtual Session:
Date: October 17, 2024
Time: 3PM
Link to Register: https://bit.ly/SMEs_Access_to_Credit

Kindly take note of the dates for each event.

According to the MD/CEO ASBA, Mr Clement Chukwuka during a media chat in his office complex, the scheme aimed at supporting civil servants to have a thriving business to fall back on after service.

“Gov. Soludo’s Administration is very passionate about the workers’ welfare even after retirement hence his willingness to supporting and funding their means of livehood after retirement.”

Mr Chukwuka reiterated that the Agency’s mandate remained to ensure that poverty is reduced to its bearest minimum through funding and capacity building.

The training program, which kicked off on July 9th, was conducted in multiple locations across the state. The first leg of the training took place in Onitsha North LGA, serving the Anambra North senatorial district. The program then moved to Nnewi North LGA Secretariat on July 11th and 12th, catering to the Anambra South senatorial district. Finally, the training concluded in the state capital, Awka, on July 13th, covering the Anambra Central senatorial district.

Governor Soludo who was represented by ASBA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,Mr Clement Chukwuka while addressing the participants, emphasized the importance of the program for capacity building. He urged them to implement the knowledge gained in order to make better business decisions.

Mr Chukwuka commended the Governor Soludo’s leadership in fostering a conducive environment for Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Anambra.

UNDP representative, Mrs Grace Arinze highlighted Anambra State’s commitment to the program,noting the state’s proactive approach in not only securing funds but also in gaining essential business knowledge.

The Project Manager, Mr Fortune Tamunokoro Granville lauded the training’s impact across the senatorial zones and encouraged continuous learning among business owners.

State Focal Person,Vivian Uzoamaka Onwuzu challenged the beneficiaries to apply their new skills while taking notes of what they can do differently to boost their various businesses.

Beneficiaries like Mrs Ngozi Ume,a fashion designer, Mr Leo Imoka,a rice farmer and Chukwuka Obiano,a poultry farmer expressed gratitude for the training and grants received, thanked the Soludo-led administration and the UNDP/EU for their support in empowering MSMEs in the state.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA), Mr. Clement Chukwuka has given a step by step guide on the assessment of loan from the Agency.

Speaking to newsmen in his office at Awka, the ASBA boss said that over 2 billion naira fund is available for on-lending to suitable beneficiaries.

He commended the Governor of the State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on his unwavering commitment in building the economic affairs of the state.

The MD/ CEO pointed out that easy assess to loan starts with proper documentation of interests.

“You must come from a duly registered cooperative association, have an effective business plan that would demonstrate your passion for the service and most importantly have honesty of purpose.”

He also made it clear that ASBA always disapproves information that were deceitful as honesty must be key to forwarding the documentation.

“In ASBA, asides from providing funds for micro businesses, we equally provide professional advice and mentoring to ensure that your business goes in successfully. Funds are also regulated and structured accordingly.

“For micro cooperatives, the maximum of 5 million naira is to be assessed by a group of ten persons while for small and medium cooperatives there is a maximum of 50 million naira provision hence our mantra, ‘No matter how big your dream is, we can start small’.”

Speaking further, he said that for small and medium scale businesses to assess N25m, N35m to N50m to enhance their business operations, it is expedient that a year account statement from a recognized bank is attached for an in-depth credit review assessment.

The MD assured small business owners of cheaper interest rates and payment plan while ensuring that the process is easier, once the documentations are properly done and that a maximum of seven days is enough time to receive offer letters.

The ASBA boss said that the mission of the Agency is to grow businesses from micro, small and medium to large enterprise while ensuring that by interfacing with developing financial institutions, the Agency is able to generate funds for on-lending.

The Agency has recorded a tremendous success within eight months after the inauguration of ASBA’s board of Directors, from August 2023 till date by providing soft loan of over seven hundred and eighty nine million naira while plans are strongly on ground to achieve about N1.5 billion before the end of 2024.

The MD also said that by June 2024, the Anambra State Digital Shoe Factory with the governor as the Chief Marketing Officer will conduct a ground breaking of the well equipped shoe factory that can manufacture same quality of shoes made in Italy and other developed countries.

He explained that that was one of the major impact of the Governor Soludo’s administration in the area of industrialization.