The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced that his administration has earmarked over N200 million to be distributed as soft loans to traders, artisans and small-scale businesses in the state.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan disclosed this in a statement.
According to the statement, the governor made the announcement during a stakeholder’s meeting with all major artisan groups in Ondo State, under the umbrella of the Ondo State United Artisans Group, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Meanwhile, the governor got the verbal support of the artisan groups ahead of the governorship election in the state.
The President of the Ondo State United Artisans Group, Engr. Daisi Komolafe, highlighted the voluntary nature of their visit, affirming their genuine commitment to Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.
He praised the governor’s transformative agenda and expressed the artisans’ collective satisfaction with his administration and support for his election.
He said: “The governor did not coerce us to attend today’s gathering. We came willingly on our own accord. Some of our members couldn’t join us due to ongoing observance of the Muslim fast and other personal challenges.
“As artisans, we have never convened in such numbers before; this marks a historic first, and it is in honor of Your Excellency. We express our satisfaction with your administration.
“Artisans constitute a significant portion of the electorate in Ondo State, comprising 64% of voters and we unequivocally pledge our support to you. We believe in your vision, and we are eager to work alongside you.”
Komolafe, who said the group deserves better treatment from government, expressed optimism that the Aiyedatiwa administration will make life more meaningful to artisans in the state.
In response to the request for more recognition for the artisans, Governor Aiyedatiwa instantly pronounced the appointment of their President, Komolafe, as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisans Matters, citing his exemplary leadership within the artisan community and his dedication to their welfare.
The governor also announced that his administration has earmarked over N200 million to be distributed as soft loans to traders, artisans and small-scale businesses in the state.
He urged the new SSA on Artisan Matters to liaise with the management of the State Microcredit Agency to ensure that artisans receive the necessary support to thrive and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the artisans’ endorsement and reiterated his determination to foster inclusive governance in the State.