In order to boost small scale businesses and improve the economy, the Ondo state government has commenced the disbursement of Two Hundred and Twenty Two (N220m) million naira to artisans and small business owners in the state.
Performing the symbolic presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries in Akure on Tuesday, the governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, acknowledged the influence of artisans, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the overall growth of the economy.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said the soft loan is one of his government’s strategies to boost the economy of the state, charging the beneficiaries to be faithful with repayment.
“This loan scheme is one of the strategies of our administration to tackle poverty, reduce unemployment and combat youth restiveness.
“Let me quickly state that the effective repayment of this loan would equally encourage our government to inject more funds into the scheme as it is our determination to enlarge its scope” the governor reiterated.
The governor further disclosed that his administration has invested massively in other areas of the economy.
He said apart from empowering the people with loans, his administration has demonstrated unwavering commitment to various policies, programmes and initiatives aimed at uplifting the people.
In her remarks, Chairman of the state Micro Credit Agency, Adenike Ademujimi, noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa prioritizes the development of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) as a catalyst for economic growth.
She said the disbursement will be made to groups and associations in batches and urged the benefitting groups to make prompt repayment.
On his part, the state commissioner for commerce, industries and cooperative services, Segun Ayerin, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Toyin Oni, said the government is open to engaging artisans and business owners with novel initiatives aimed at improving the economy.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisan Matters, Daisi Komolafe, thanked the governor for the gesture, assuring government of quick repayment of the loan.
“We are appreciative of Mr Governor’s kind gesture and fully align with his plans for artisans and business owners in the state. We have a register of over three hundred thousand members of various artisan groups and we will surely vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 governorship election” Komolafe submitted.
