Kwara Govt Splashes N200m Soft Loan On Artisans

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines Friday, December 27th, 2013

Kayode Adelowokan, Lagos

Kwara State government has expressed its readiness to give out N200 million in soft loans to artisans in the state in 2014.

Gov. Ahmed of Kwara State

The state governor, Mr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, disclosed this in Ilorin on Friday the first anniversary of the establishment of Kwara State Joint Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders.

Governor Ahmed assured members of the association that they would benefit from the revolving loan to be enjoyed by all small-business owners.

In his word, “Today, as we celebrate the first anniversary of the Kwara State Joint Association of Commercial Motorcycle Riders, I am pleased to note that you have proven the cynics wrong.”

The Kwara State number one man also said that reports reaching him indicated that there were fewer accidents involving commercial motorcyclists.

He mentioned that the association’s vigilance and enforcement had reduced the level of crimes involving motorcycle riders in the state.

“These accomplishments are traceable to the leadership of the association and members’ determination and willingness to sanitise your trade and ensure a safer society. More importantly, you have demonstrated that given the right incentives and conditions, we, Nigerians, are capable of achieving success in everything we do,” he said.

Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed also said that the state government gave out N100 million in soft loan to members of Kwara Artisans Congress, and had so far disbursed N520 million to tradesmen and women in the state.

“In our determined effort to create prosperity for all, no part of our population will be left out,’’ the governor promised

We will ensure that everyone benefits directly and indirectly from the new empowerment programmes that my administration will make available from next year”, he added.

The governor who was among the G5 governors Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that recently decamped to All Progressive Congress (APC) however appealed to members of the association and the people of the state to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by anyone or group to incite them to violence.

“We all have a responsibility to keep our streets safe, our neighborhoods crime-free and our communities harmonious”, he mentioned.

He also called on the leadership of the association to ensure that its members remain law-abiding at all times.