Ondo State Government has disbursed N220 million to artisans and small business owners to boost and improve the state’s economy.

While presenting the checks to the beneficiaries in Akure, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed that the economic impact of artisans and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) cannot be underestimated on the overall growth of the economy.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, emphasised that the soft loan was one of his administration’s strategies to boost the economy of the state.

The governor, who urged the beneficiaries to be faithful with repayment of the loan, stated that “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,” he said.

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 an unwavering commitment to various policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at uplifting the people.

“Our agriculture and food security program and business stimulation components were designed as solutions to some of the economic challenges.

“In the education sector, we have almost concluded the process of recruitment of about 2,000 teachers for both public primary and secondary schools to enhance qualitative and quantitative education for our children. The recruitment of teachers would definitely guarantee effective teaching and learning for our children.

READ ALSO: Lawmaker donates educational materials to Ondo schools, students 

“Recently, more than 11,200 students of Ondo state origin in tertiary institutions also benefitted from scholarship and bursary awards and financial assistance from our government. This has brought relief to both the students and their parents.”

On her part, the Chairman of the state Micro Credit Agency, Adenike Ademujimi, noted that Aiyedatiwa prioritises the development of Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) as a catalyst for economic growth.

She said the disbursement would be made to groups and associations in batches and urged the benefiting groups to make prompt repayment.

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 and novel initiatives aimed at improving the economy.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisan Matters, Daisi Komolafe, hailed the governor for the gesture, assuring the 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 300,000 members of various artisan groups, and we will surely vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 governorship election.”