Enugu State Government gives 520 grinding machines to vulnerable people

The Enugu State Government has given 520 grinding machines to vulnerable people across the state's 260 wards. This effort aims to improve their economic situation and fight poverty.

The machines were handed out to beneficiaries from the 17 council areas during an event organized by the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication in Enugu on Tuesday.

Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, spoke on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah. He said this initiative is part of the government's plan to support human development and reduce poverty.

Mr Onyia mentioned that since the start of this administration, their goal has been to bring down the state's poverty rate from 58 percent to zero. He called the distribution one of many efforts to help vulnerable people gain economic independence.

He pointed out that the state government is not only focused on building roads, schools, and hospitals but is also dedicated to supporting the less fortunate.

The beneficiaries were chosen based on specific socio-economic criteria. This was to ensure that the support goes to truly vulnerable households.

"What you are experiencing today is just one of the interventions put in place to ensure that vulnerable persons develop skills and use the equipment for productive economic activities.

"The aim is to enable them to generate income and have more disposable revenue to improve their quality of life," said Mr Onyia, who is also a professor.

He added that the government has set up a system to monitor how the equipment is used. This is to make sure that the beneficiaries use the machines effectively.

He warned the beneficiaries not to sell the machines. He made it clear that these machines were given to help them become self-sufficient, not for resale.

The SSG assured everyone that this empowerment program would continue. He noted that beneficiaries would also receive support with agricultural tools, digital skills training, and other forms of help in relevant areas.

He said the government will keep using data to plan, monitor, and check the impacts of its programs to ensure positive outcomes.

In her welcome speech, Benedette Okoli, the state Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication, said the distribution marked the 2026 International Day of the Poor.

Ms Okoli stated that the 520 machines were given to two vulnerable people from each of the 260 political wards in the 17 local government areas.

She highlighted that this program was possible due to the approval of Governor Mbah, whose government is committed to improving the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens.

According to her, the grinding machines are not just tools but also instruments for economic empowerment. They will help beneficiaries engage in productive work, earn money, and support their families.

She explained that the beneficiaries were selected from the Enugu State Social Register of the Poor and Vulnerable, which was prepared by the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

She added that the selection was honest and free from political bias or favoritism.

She promised that the ministry would collaborate with relevant partners to monitor the program and provide support for lasting benefits.

Joy-Blossom Eneh, the State Coordinator of SOCU, who was represented by Christopher Nnam, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, thanked the governor for using the social register to find vulnerable households.

Mrs Eneh said this register has helped identify beneficiaries based on facts, ensuring that government efforts reach those in real need.

She mentioned that the unit has recorded 586 beneficiaries, including the needy and small traders, for various government programs.

She described the empowerment program as proof that the governor's commitment to using the social register is producing real results.

One beneficiary, Ndidamaka Ejiri from Igboetiti Local Government Area, spoke on behalf of others. She expressed her gratitude to the state government.

Mrs Ejiri said the machine would greatly help increase their family’s income.

"I thank Governor Peter Mbah for this gesture. Coming 2027, my vote belongs to him, and I promise to put the equipment into productive use to help myself and my family," she said.