Ondo Doles Out ₦225M To Artisans As Loans

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN,  disclosed on Wednesday that over ₦225 million has been disbursed to Artisan groups in the state through the State Micro-Credit Agency.

According to the Governor, the disbursement of the loan facilities was aimed at strengthening the businesses of the various artisan groups in the state.

Speaking at this year’s Artisans’ Day in Akure, he assured the Artisans that his administration would continue to work with the various organised groups to serve as gateways to reach their members.

Arakunrin Akeredolu urged the leadership of the groups to ensure prompt and regular repayment of the loan facilities to allow others have the benefit of enjoying similar facilities.

The Governor pointed out that artisans contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state and community where they operate, adding that they are classified as the engine of growth of any economy.

“This sector forms about 85% of total economy of Ondo State. Therefore, it is a sector that deserves continuous attention in order to address the unemployment situation of our teeming youths.”

Governor Akeredolu stated that despite the current challenges, his administration was still able to provide an enabling environment for the development and growth of artisans in the State.

“We shall not relent in our efforts to provide a unique opportunity to reduce the hardship being experienced by our artisans and simultaneously planning for medium and long term solutions for our economic growth and development.

“One of the key points of our agenda is Digital Revolution and Entrepreneurship Development to alleviate poverty among the citizenry of the State through wealth creation.

“I am glad to say that many of the notable intervention programmes of our administration are already being felt in the sector.”

He said the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES) programme, which is a joint programme of the World Bank, Federal and State Governments of Nigeria, is built on existing Federal and State Governments platforms.

The N-CARES programme, he added, intends to mitigate and support economic recovery efforts consequent upon the effects of COVID-19 Pandemic currently ravaging the world economy.

“It is a good development as it is an intervention fund for the MSMEs that had some financial difficulties due to COVID-19 Pandemic. The State Government has already bought into this to assist our people.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, said the event marked another milestone in the life of the Administration as it has again shown its desire to continue to interface with different segments of the people for appropriate feedbacks and to sustain the culture of an all-inclusive governance.