…Lifts 4,000 traders with N80m grants
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun recently approved a revolving loan of N25million for members of Plank Sellers Association of Nigeria, operating at the Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The Governor equally approved N50million loan for members of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State branch.
Addressing plank sellers at a meeting in Abeokuta, Abiodun assured them that the payment which would be received by the association before noon on Thursday, would be the first tranche of the loan.
He said he would add another N25million if the initial loan was judiciously utilised by members of the association, urging them not to misuse the opportunity.
The Governor who also commended the plank sellers for supporting the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections held in February, charged them to go all out on the 18th of March and vote for the continued development of the state.
Addressing leaders and members of the Butchers Association in a separate meeting, Abiodun informed them that the approved N50million revolving loan should be used for the purpose it is meant for.
While saying he would be willing to increase the amount if the first tranche was judiciously utilised by members of the association, he disclosed he would upgrade the Lafenwa Abattoir to a modern one.
The Governor added that a borehole, toilet and bathroom facilities would be provided for their use at the abattoir, emphasising that his administration would continue to support the development of the association.
Abiodun who further urged the association to protect the refrigerating van that was recently presented to them through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that a brand new bus will be provided for the association.
In their separate remarks, the state chairman of the Plank Sellers Association of Nigeria; Semiu Makinde and his counterpart in the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Shagari Amodu, both commended Governor Abiodun for looking out for the development of medium and small enterprises in the state, declaring that their members would rally support for his re-election come Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Governor has lifted 4,000 traders selected across the four zones of the state with a grant of N20,000 each to boost their respective businesses.
Speaking at a meeting with the traders at the Arcade Ground, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun noted that his administration’s desire was to see individuals and groups make progress.
He expressed the hope that the empowerment would go a long way in expanding their businesses.
He appreciated the market men and women for their support and solidarity, adding that the state would experience more development during his second term.
Abiodun recalled the massive support his administration received from the traders by complying with the COVID-19 protocol and ensuring that they took recommended vaccines to curtail the spread of the virus.
He informed the gathering that his administration had constructed over 400 kilometres of roads and carried out developmental projects across the state, assuring the traders that markets that lack basic amenities such as toilets, transformers, among others, would be attended to very soon.
In her remarks, the Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass, said the market men and women are ready to vote for the Governor as a result of his excellent performances since he assumed office.
She added that Abiodun had kept his promises through the massive infrastructural amenities across the state, describing him as an achiever whose support to the market men and women has improved their trades.
Also speaking, the Babaloja-General of the state who also doubles as Babaloja of Yewaland, Mr Adewale Adeshina, described Governor Abiodun as a performer that deserves a second term in office, saying his second term would usher in more developmental projects and growth to the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olufunmilayo Efuwape, said the market men and women are ready to support and work for the second term of the Governor, as they are desirous of good governance and continuity.