Ondo 2016: Expect A Lucrative Micro-Credit Scheme, Akeredolu Tells Akure Traders

By Maxwell Adeleye

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for November 26th governorship election in Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has promised Traders in the state a lucrative micro credit scheme if he succeed at the poll.

Akeredolu made this known on Monday while meeting with Market men and women at the Olukayode International Shopping Complex, Akure, the state capital.

Akeredolu who was represented at the meeting by the Director General of his campaign platform, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan also vowed to run a practical government devoid of sentiment.

"What you need is a robust micro-credit scheme that will grow your business lucratively. When we get to office, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will come here to group you into at least 10 cooperative societies to be headed by elected leaders.

"A bank will be designated to manage the disbursement and repayment of the micro-credit funds to the cooperative societies. Government officials will not handle anything and bank will not engage individuals other than the cooperative society so as to encourage accountability and transparency.

"Government will serve as guarantor for the cooperative societies. The Interest rate will be so affordable that everyone will be encouraged to participate and 50% of the interest on every loan will be paid by government. The interest rate will be subsidized.

"The least money each cooperative society will get is N25million. We want to truly empower you. When we help you to grow your businesses, there will be money in the economy. We will not run a cosmetic government. Our government will be very practical and devoid of sentiment", Akeredolu said.

Responding on behalf of the Traders, the President of the Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria, Olukayode Complex branch, Mr Charles Balogun thanked Akeredolu for his visit to the market with a promise to work for the success of Akeredolu at the poll.