Delight Chinedum
Anambra State workers have been urged to explore side hustles, to supplement their income and mitigate the impact of economic hardship on their households.
Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Chinedu Nwoye made the call during a health and economic awareness workshop organised by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as part of activities marking 2025 workers’ Day celebration in the state.
He encouraged workers to diversify their income streams beyond their monthly salaries, emphasizing need for workers to explore alternative sources of income.
He identified lack of innovative ideas and foresight as major obstacles hindering workers from exploring other opportunities.
“There’s need for you to seek out rewarding side hustles to supplement your income as this will be essential for survival in the current economic climate,” he added.
Managing Director of Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA), Sir Clem Chukwuka, provided workers with a guide on how to access loans through the newly introduced Civil Service Solution, Soft Loan Empowerment Program to support their monthly earnings.
Describing the scheme as a life saving opportunity for civil servants, Chukwuka said, “the loan comes with cheaper interest rate as against the 25-40% interest rate loans which workers access from other financial companies.”
The ASBA boss encouraged workers to access funds to help them in developing farms and other micro businesses which could augment their income and assist them secure happy retirement.
“Since the loan is on indemnity, clearance must be gotten from the office of the Head Departments of all the individual members forming co-operative societies.
“The debt profiles of such individuals must be analyzed before funds are released to the cooperative society for onward distribution amongst themselves,” he added.
Chukwuka further reminded the workers that the loan would not be for frivolity but for investment, stressing that only workers who have attained level of gratuity would be eligible for the empowerment loan.
He however praised the governor for remaining steadfast to his promises of alleviating poverty from the state.
Commissioner for Health and Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo (HLWNS) Coordinator, Afam Obidike, highlighted the success of the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living, and advocated for the public to prioritize healthy eating habits.
He also emphasized the importance of regular exercise, good hygiene practices, and mental health care for overall well-being and productivity.
Earlier, State NLC chairman, Humphrey Nwafor, said the incorporation of the workshop was aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants in the state.
“Prior to my tenure, events of this nature were lacking. We decided to change the narrative by introducing aspects of learning to improve ourselves.
“I deemed it necessary to prioritize the welfare of workers, focusing not just on increasing state revenue but also on improving their health and well-being,” he added.
He also commended the governor for being a solution-oriented leader who addresses the needs of the people.
Highpoints of the workshop was medical checkups for workers who participated in the workshop and awards to wife of the governor Dr Nonye Soludo and Sir Clem Chukwuka for being supportive of Labour in the state.