NGO seeks better operating environment for small businesses

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre has called on the Federal Government to put in place policies that will smoothen the ease of doing business in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer, Grooming Centre, Dr Godwin Nwabunka said this at one of the firm’s exclusive events, Grooming Splash that rewards and empowers clients for better livelihood.

According to him, government should look at opening up the business environment for more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), make forex available and improve the country’s exchange rate system; ensure constant power and energy supply for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as improve communication system, most especially for those in the rural areas for easy access.

He said the more conducive government makes the operating environment the better for businesses.

The Grooming boss said the organisation has done over 12 million credits since its inception.

“We have worked with very big partners, the ecosystem has grown from financial to non-financial services, including scholarships and grants for undergraduates. Financially, we work with major partners including the World Bank,” he said.

Executive Director, Administration, Grooming Centre, Isoken Nwabunka, said the grooming splash, a yearly event that is in its 13th year, was an ongoing effort to support women-led businesses, where different items including tricycles, generators and deep freezers among others are won by their clients.

Using the slogan “when you empower a woman, you empower a nation”, she said the move was to support women businesses, who are mostly at the bottom of the pyramid.

“This is the 13th edition of Grooming Splash, designed to strengthen our bond with clients and enhance brand loyalty. Over the years, our projects have required substantial investments, and we are thankful for the consistent support despite economic challenges.

“This is one of the ways to say thank you to the women that we serve. They are the reason why we are in business. This is to show how much we appreciate them regardless of the country’s socioeconomic challenges. Our credits are provided strictly on a commercial basis but not necessarily for profits, which is why we are giving back to clients.

“We are not going to stop soon. What we are planning to do is something that will outlive all of us so that generations to come will continue to do this. It is challenging but we are becoming more agile and digitally-driven so that we will continue to survive.

“For the winners, the items will help improve their enterprises and be another source of income for them, especially for those who won tricycles,” she said.

The Centre’s Executive Director, Programmes, Alexander Enyinnah, said the organisation distributed 386 prizes to 386 winners, consisting of 24 commercial tricycles, 58 large double-door refrigerators, 82 small double-door refrigerators, 58 5kVA generators, and 106 3kVA generators.

He said each programme area would benefit from the 24 commercial tricycles and a share of the other prizes to different programme areas and branches across the country.

Enyinnah said the items, which run into millions of naira are only qualified for customers who have taken loans up to three cycles, adding that the firm remains committed to ensuring the empowerment of its customers.

One of the winners, Abosede Ojigudu, shared her appreciation, saying, “Grooming has continually impacted our businesses positively and provided financial assistance. May God bless them, and may the company continue to progress and grow.”