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Former member of the House of Representatives, Oghene Egoh, has thrown his weight behind the business grant initiative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as a practical intervention designed to empower low-income Nigerians through small-scale entrepreneurship.
Egoh, who represented Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Lagos, where he defended the programme against critics who questioned the relevance of supporting ventures such as akara and kulikuli businesses.
According to the former lawmaker, the initiative is specifically targeted at economically disadvantaged Nigerians who often struggle to earn a steady income and should therefore be judged by its potential to improve livelihoods rather than by the type of businesses it supports.
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He explained that many Nigerians rely on petty trading and other micro-enterprises to feed their families, adding that financial assistance can help such individuals establish sustainable businesses and gradually attain economic independence. He argued that critics of the programme fail to appreciate the realities confronting millions of low-income earners across the country.
Egoh stressed that many of Nigeria’s successful entrepreneurs started with modest businesses before expanding into larger enterprises. He maintained that every legitimate business deserves respect because it creates value, generates income and contributes to economic growth.
He further noted that the country’s current economic challenges require practical solutions capable of reaching people at the grassroots instead of policies that exist only on paper. According to him, supporting micro-businesses provides ordinary Nigerians with opportunities to improve their standard of living while contributing to local economic development.
The former legislator urged beneficiaries of the grants to make responsible use of the funds by investing in productive ventures rather than diverting the money to unnecessary expenses. He said proper monitoring of the programme would help ensure that the grants achieve their intended objectives of reducing unemployment, boosting household incomes and strengthening local economies.
Egoh also called on governments at all levels to complement the grant initiative with business development training, affordable access to credit and continuous mentorship. He emphasised that entrepreneurial education, financial management skills, customer relations and regular supervision would enable beneficiaries to build resilient businesses capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
