Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has launched the distribution of N350 million in interest-free loans to support small businesses and community groups across Kwara State, in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots economic activity and reducing poverty.

The initiative, unveiled in Ilorin on Wednesday, is being implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in partnership with the World Bank.

A total of 1,000 beneficiaries drawn from various community interest groups are set to benefit from the scheme, with each group receiving financial support under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) framework.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the governor said the programme is designed to expand access to finance for women, youth, farmers and cooperatives, enabling them to build sustainable livelihoods.

He described the initiative as part of broader efforts to drive inclusive growth and improve living standards across communities.

“This initiative is a practical step towards reducing poverty and empowering our people to create wealth and generate employment,” he said.

AbdulRazaq urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and ensure timely repayment to allow others to benefit from the revolving scheme.

The Commissioner for Environment and Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee, Nafisat Musa Buge, said the long-term success of the programme depends on effective use of the funds and prompt repayment by beneficiaries.

She noted that the initiative is not limited to financial support alone, highlighting ongoing interventions such as the provision of potable water in rural communities to improve living conditions.

State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Shamsideen Aregbe, said the programme reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity, adding that collaboration with development partners has been central to its rollout.

Traditional and community leaders present at the event welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely support for local economies.

The Emir of Shonga, Haliru Yahaya, commended the state government’s approach to community development, noting that several communities have already benefited from related infrastructure projects.

A representative of the beneficiaries, Abdulkareem Olapeju, described the loan scheme as transformative, expressing optimism about its potential to improve livelihoods and expand business opportunities.

The ACReSAL programme forms part of wider efforts to build resilience in vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable economic activities.

With access to financing often cited as a major constraint for small businesses in Nigeria, the Kwara initiative signals a targeted approach to bridging that gap, particularly at the grassroots level where economic impact is most directly felt.

As implementation begins, attention will turn to how effectively the funds are deployed and recycled, a key determinant of whether the programme can deliver lasting benefits across the state.