Oyo Govt Flags Off Biometric Enumeration Of Traders, Industrialists For Empowerment

By Ayodele Oni

The Oyo State Government has flagged off the Biometric enumeration of people in the informal sector of the economy with a view to empower the.

Those in the category include  Traders, Artisans, industrialist and members of cooperative societies in the State, that will be captured under the state government ‘Ise D’otun programme.

While unveiling the programme  in Ibadan, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni explained that it would help the government ascertain the details of traders, Artisans Industrialists and members of cooperative societies in the State.

She said that this would facilitate sharing the dividends of democracy and ensure they get to the targeted members of the public.

The Head of Service hinted that the present administration was working tirelessly and putting up necessary measures to ensure life is worth living, hence the initiative of ‘Ise D’otun’.

She therefore urged them to cooperate with the State Government to ensure the successful collation of their data as it will enhance their business through various support opportunities from government, stockholders and NGOs.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Ademola Ojo, stated that having accurate data of the informal sector would enhance the State Government’s access to facilitate local and international grants, loans and other supports for the participants.

He added that the programme would also give the beneficiaries the opportunity to use their numeric strength to enjoy affordable insurance plans in case of fire outbreak and also give them other business opportunities.

The Commissioner further stressed  that ‘Ise D’otun’ is a laudable business development solution for traders, artisans, Cooperatives and small scale industrialists in Oyo State, which is aimed at promoting economic growth and development in the State, anchored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives.

According to him, the consultant engaged by the State Government to carry out the programme, had equally concluded arrangements with one of the leading network service providers in the country to move those to be enumerated under the Close Users Group (CUG) which would give them opportunity to make telephone calls to one another at a very discounted rate of Five Hundred Naira monthly.