GELEGELE (EDO STATE) – The Edo State government have evolved strategies at ensuring the emergence of more beneficiaries of the state government and Bank of Industry (EDSG/BOI) Loan facility.
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. MacDonald Obasuke made this known while inaugurating a sensitization programme organized at different communities for operators of micro, small and medium scale businesses in the coastal and riverine areas.
The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. O. Idahosa told a gathering at Gelegele and Ughoton Communities that the State Government thought it wise to reach out to the people of the area in order to ensure the widespread of beneficiaries across the state.
The communities were Gelegele, Ughoton, Ajakurama, Ofunama, Ologbo, Agenebode and Illushi.
According to him, the loan facility which is revolving in nature was meant to boost the socio-economic sectors of the state and improve the lots of small and medium scale businesses.
He disclosed that the facility was a collaboration arrangement between the state government and the Bank of Industry, adding that it attracts an annual interest rate of live percent.
Special Adviser to the state governor on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Mr. Daniel Akhilele on his part, urged the people of the coastal communities to take advantage of the loan facility to improve on their businesses and their standard of living.
A representative of the Bank of Industry at the ceremony, Mr. Chris Omondiagbe lauded the state government for the partnership, saying that the state was one of the few states that give out the loan without interest.
He pointed out that the condition for the access of the facility were people friendly.
The people through their spoke persons in the various communities thanked the state government for the laudable initiative and expressed confidence in the programme while assuring of their wiliness to key in accordingly.
The awareness train comprises the SSA to the Governor on Coastal and Riverine Affairs, Mrs. Victoria Ikpotoki, the Director of Industry, Mr. Festus Okougbo
