Speaking on the platform, the Founder, Lift Above Poverty Organisation, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, who lauded the initiative, however observed few limitations that might be a challenge in having a family engaged in the same business, as he raised concerns about the possibility of unequal commitment from the family members.
Using the analogy of a community goat, he said, “A goat that is owned by the community obviously would be starved, and I think that is the same that businesses that are owned collectively is likely to lack individual ownership, and that can affect the viability of such businesses.” He suggested the application of essential features of formal cooperative societies or unions to an extended family group and see how each member of that economic association could be empowered to engage in viable businesses.
When asked by our correspondent on the sustainability of businesses amid security situations in the South-East, Imo inclusive, Amaeshi maintained that the empowerment would tackle insecurity, noting that insecurity itself is largely influenced by unemployment. Reacting to a question from our correspondent on the feasibility of the empowerment based on the literacy level of any local family, and amid the Central Bank Of Nigeria’s policy of cashless transactions, the Chief Economic Adviser, who is a Professor of Sustainable Finance and Governance, European University Institute, Florence, Italy, said, “The government can provide some training, and enhance the families who have come together in different ways.