As part of
its effort to ensure financial independence for the people of the state, Kwara
State Government has distributed working tools, other forms of equipment and
loans worth N50 Million to 35 artisan groups comprising 500 members.
Speaking
during the distribution of the working tools at the first anniversary of
kwara State Artisans Congress, the State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed
said the initiative was to empower artisans and ensure that their
potentials as major players in the economy of the state is enhanced.
Governor
Ahmed said the N50 million intervention was in addition to the N100 Million
disbursed to the Artisan Congress when it was formed last year, adding that
other forms of empowerment initiatives were in the pipeline for the benefits of
the artisans.
On the
significance of the empowerment, the governor said since each of the 500
artisans would have at least two employees about 1500 Kwarans were expected to
benefit from the scheme.
The governor
expressed satisfaction that the administration's "N250Million Revolving
Micro credit scheme launched in 2012 has grown to N700m and successfully
empowered 48,000 small business owners in the process."
He noted
that 47 artisan groups and 100 transporters have benefitted from the funds
while another set of 170 farmers now have thriving agribusiness following
the disbursement of N215m in micro- credit under Off taker Demand Driven
Scheme".
The
President Kwara State Artisans' Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Lanky in his address
at the occasion said the formation of the Artisans' Congress has enabled
artisans in the state to work with unity of purpose.
Alhaji Lanky
said the Master Trainer policy of the state government and the
establishment of the City and Guild of London moderated International
Vocational Centre in Ajasse - Ipo as well as the various loan facilities
place artisans in vantage position to drive economic development and generate
vast employment opportunities in the state.
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Society