Most communities in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State were thrown into jubilation at the weekend when the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka commenced direct cash support to small businesses within the Council area.
Over one hundred visibly excited petty traders, especially women, benefited from the business grant which was presented by wife of the former minister, Barr. Chidinma Chidoka.
The gesture was in realisation of an earlier promise by Chief Chidoka to set up a business support fund in memory of his late mother- late Deaconess Victoria Nneka Chidoka, to assist petty women traders.
Chidoka who has never hidden his concern for the welfare of rural folks had before his mother’s burial in May 2023 organized a free Cervical Cancer screening and medical care tagged Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Goverment Area and Obosi in Idemili North Local Goverment Area.
Over one thousand patients received treatment for various illnesses including malaria, diabetes and prescription glasses were also given to over three hundred patients.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen thanked the former Minister, who was also the former Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for his uncommon philanthropic gesture.
A beneficiary, Mrs Alice Mbara who spoke amid tears of joy thanked Chief Chidoka for his intervention.
Mrs Mbara who hawks watermelon and orange in Obosi noted that she makes little or no profit from the business to afford one good meal for her children daily, a situation that forced her to engaged her 12 years old son in the orange hawking business all in a bid to feed.
She added that the business grant will enable her pay for a stand in the market, expand her business and stop her teenage son from hawking.
