The COVID-19 pandemic is unarguably the greatest disruption of recent times.

Not only has the world been faced with a real-life plague, but its impact has also been felt across economies, markets and investments in general.

Yet businesses continue to thrive in Anambra, though not as desired.

Ejike Abana had a chat with the Managing Director Anambra Small Business Agency, ASBA, Chief Clem Chukwuka on situation of things and reports that the rapid outbreak of the COVID-19 presents an alarming health crisis that the world is grappling with.

In addition to the human impact, there is also significant economic, business and commercial impact being felt globally.

Anambra Small Business Agency, ASBA is out to ensure that all the Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises are given lifelines through funding, training and capacity building.

According to the Managing Director of the Agency Chief Chukwuka, Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises are the major drivers of Anambra economy which he said are negatively impacted on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notwithstanding the negative impact, Chief Chukwuka who said that over sixty percent of their funding revolve around agriculture and its value chain, advised people who want to venture into business to try their hands on essentials, especially agricultural products, stressing that it is the major target of the present administration.

Chief Chukwuka said that with the vision of Governor Willie Obiano to make Anambra viable, the Agency has been able to inject about two billion naira into MSMEs, pointing out that introduction of micro-Agricultural schemes, construction of agriculture parks, tax waivers among others were part of palliatives to cushion the negative effects of the pandemic.
The ASBA boss noted that the Shoe market situated at Nkwelle Ezunaka junction which was established by the Obiano-led administration, will be officially commissioned sometime in August by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, adding that the market is already doing well in their bid to showcase the made in Anambra shoes to the world.

Some business people visited confirmed to the ABS that though business is slow, accruable income is fifty percent steady, calling on government at all levels to continue to create sustainable solutions to the disruption of business activities.

Recall that the NCDC published guidelines in which they urged business people to observed COVID-19 protocols including maintaining social distancing and routine cleaning of high contact areas such as toilets, door handles and telephones.

No related posts.