Gov Okpebholo Announces Date For Kick-off Of Interest-Free Loans, Agric Revolution For Edo Traders Farmers
By Simeon OSAJIE
Effect to fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises of providing interest-free loans to Edo traders, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced that the programme would commence January 2025.
In a similar vein, January 2025 would also witness the beginning of agricultural revolution in the state through the introduction of massive mechanised farming.
Senator Okpebholo announced the good news when he received members of the Edo State Association of Commodity Market Women and Men (ESACMWM), who came to pay him a congratulatory visit.
Addressing the traders at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasised his administration’s commitment to enhancing the livelihood of Edo citizens and ensuring sustainable economic growth through empowerment of traders, businessmen and women who play major roles in the economic development of the state.
He explained that the interest-free loan initiative was aimed at providing the much-needed financial support to Edo traders to ensure that they had the resources to expand their businesses without the burden of daunting interest rates.
According to him, “Early in January 2025, we shall begin to provide interest-free loans to Edo traders. Our traders are the backbone of our economy, and we must support them with the needed capital to help boost their businesses and improve the state’s economy.
“The interest-free loans that we are starting next year in January will help empower our traders, enhance growth, development, stability, and improve the livelihoods of the people.”
Outlining his administration’s plans to revolutionise the agricultural sector through mechanised farming, Governor Okpebholo said, “In the same January 2025, we are going to start massive mechanised farming in Edo State. We are poised to ensure that food is available to all, even in these challenging times.
“Agriculture is vital to our state’s economy. Investing in mechanised farming will boost food production, create jobs, and ensure food security for our people.”
Responding, President of the Association, Mrs. Josephine Ebhaguejeze expressed gratitude for the governor’s initiative, noting that it would be a game-changer for traders and farmers in the state, and pledged the Association’s support and loyalty to the administration.
Ebhaguejeze said the Association would continue to work with the government of Senator Okpebholo in driving economic reforms in the state.
According to her, “With this initiative, Edo State is on track to becoming a model for economic revitalisation in Nigeria, paving the way for a prosperous future for all its residents. As the new programmes take shape, the state looks forward to reaping the benefits of enhanced productivity and financial independence for its traders and farmers alike.”
The mechanised farming initiative is expected to attract investments and partnerships with agricultural companies, as it would further enhance the state’s capacity for large-scale farming and repositioning the economy.
