News Investigators/ The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has directed that the small scale loans to agripreneurs be extended to community development associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations across the State.
Mr. Makinde has also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the sustainable action for economic recovery to further alleviate the economic challenges confronting the masses.
The governor announced this on Tuesday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital during a state-wide broadcast to mark the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
Access to the small-scale loans to agripreneurs scheme through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State was hitherto limited to civil servants.
Mr. Makinde who observed Mr. Makinde introduced the subsidy shortly after the Federal Government removed subsidy on petroleum, adfing that the subsidy will extend to trucks for produce evacuation.
“My good people of Oyo State, today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience.
“Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity.
“This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations.
We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another 6 months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme.
“The subsidy will now also include subsidy on trucks for produce evacuation. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions.
“Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends,” Mr. Makinde added.