Frontline aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, Ambassador Lotanna Ikebunwa, has commended Chief Ifeanyi Ekwulugwo for approving a ₦250 million grant to support youth-owned businesses in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Ikebunwa, who gave this commendation during a courtesy visit to Ekwulugwo at his country home in Okpuno, Otolo Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area, noted that the intervention comes at a critical time when many young entrepreneurs are grappling with limited access to capital.

He described the initiative, executed through the Iycon Charity Foundation, as a strategic investment that will boost small and medium-scale enterprises, stimulate local commerce, and create wider economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

According to him, empowering youths to remain committed to their businesses aligns with Nnewi’s long-standing reputation as an industrial hub, often referred to as the “Japan of Africa” due to its strong culture of enterprise and innovation.

Ikebunwa further noted that the grant would enable beneficiaries to scale their businesses, enhance productivity, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth, while also helping to curb unemployment and youth restiveness.

He also expressed optimism about a second phase of the programme, urging that it be expanded to accommodate more young entrepreneurs across the constituency in view of the increasing demand for business support.

He disclosed that his brother, Ikebunwa Nzubechukwu James, was among the beneficiaries of the programme, having received a grant of ₦1 million, and expressed appreciation to Ekwulugwo for what he described as a generous and impactful gesture.

The ADC aspirant added that his advocacy for youth empowerment is reflected in his own initiatives, recalling that he recently gifted a parcel of land valued at ₦10 million to a group known as “Special Ladies” as part of his empowerment programme aimed at promoting inclusiveness and economic independence.

While commending Ekwulugwo for his commitment to community development, Ikebunwa called on other stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to invest in youth-focused initiatives, stressing that sustained empowerment remains key to long-term economic stability and social progress.