Olufunke Aladejare
As part of the poverty mitigation policy of his government, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has promised solid financial backing for the drivers of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as Ajoni Local Council Development Area lifted 250 business owners with fund.
During the disbursement, Oyebanji hinted about the resolve of his government to tapping into the rich potentials at the grassroots to advance the growth of MSMEs and change the business orientation of the rural dwellers .
The governor said these in Ayedun Ekiti, on Thursday, while flagging off the second phase of the Ajoni LCDA powered ‘Cash Disbursement Programme’ christened “BAO’s trader monie” to 250 business owners in the Council.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the Chairman of the LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi for conceiving the initiative to spread the tentacles of Human Capital Development and boost local economy, to stem the tide of poverty among the rural dwellers.
“Let me appreciate the Chairman of this LCDA for his giant strides in the promotion of Human Capital Development, Agriculture, Job Creation and Youth Empowerment and for his commitment to the replication of the six point agenda of our government at the grassroots”.
Oyebanji appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to expand the scope of their businesses, improve their living standards, reduce poverty and stop the sole dependence on government as only employer of labour in the State.
“This step being taken today remains one of the best ways to elevate the concept of MSMEs growth and self-employment in line with the industrialization policy of Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
“I have that belief that this programme will go a long way in making positive impacts in the lives of the beneficiaries, their dependants, as well as the local government in general”.
He said his government has demonstrated commitment to fighting poverty via employment of 3500 personnel into the civil service, building of the Micro and MSMEs Clinic and Ekiti Garment Hub, establishment of Cluster farming to attract youths into farming and push Ekiti to food security status, building of indoor sports complex for sporting activities.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the LCDA, Prince Ogungbemi, said the cash disbursement to the accredited MSMES operators, traders and market women, was a loud testament to his concurrence to the shared prosperity agenda of Governor Oyebanji.
Ogungbemi stated that the second phase of the cash disbursement will help in stemming scourges of hunger, crime, unemployment and dependence on government as sole employers of labour in Ekiti, assuring that the third phase is expected to come up March 2025.
He commended a non- governmental organisation, Interweaves Solutions International, for partnering the council expose the beneficiaries to better business skills that can expand the scope of their knowledge to better business dealings, lauding governor Oyebanji for releasing traders support funds to grow the local economy.
“Therefore, the governor’s vision of shared prosperity is one we must all embrace. This administration remains committed to creating opportunities, breaking barriers and fostering an environment where every entrepreneur, trader and market woman can achieve their fullest potential.
“Our journey towards shared prosperity is not merely a slogan, it is a commitment, a call to action, and a vision that must be actualised by all means possible”, he stated.
Applauding the programme, the Alaaye of Oke Ayedun, Oba Olufemi Aribisala, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the fund appropriately to uplift their businesses, to complement Oyebanji’s strides to conquer poverty in Ekiti.