By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has disbursed N220 million in soft loans to artisans and small business owners in the state, aiming to boost small-scale businesses and improve the economy.

 Represented by Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the loan’s significance in tackling poverty, reducing unemployment, and combating youth restiveness.

Aiyedatiwa noted that effective repayment of the loan would encourage the government to inject more funds into the scheme, highlighting its determination to enlarge its scope.

The administration has invested heavily in other economic areas, including an agriculture and food security program and business stimulation components.

In education, the government has nearly completed recruiting 2,000 teachers for public primary and secondary schools, enhancing qualitative and quantitative education. Over 11,200 students from Ondo State have also received scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance.

Adenike Ademujimi, Chairman of the state Micro Credit Agency, praised Aiyedatiwa’s prioritization of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) development as a catalyst for economic growth. The disbursement will be made to groups and associations in batches.

Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperative Services, Segun Ayerin, emphasized the government’s openness to engaging artisans and business owners in novel initiatives to improve the economy ¹ ². Daisi Komolafe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisan Matters, thanked Aiyedatiwa and assured quick repayment of the loan