The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) on Tuesday disbursed the sum of N4.5 million loans to micro business owners in Bauchi State.
Mr Lawan Yaya, the state Coordinator, stated this during the disbursement of the loans to 228 beneficiaries in the state.
He said the programme was carried out under the Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme (MEES) of the directorate.
Yaya added that the programme which was an initiative of the Director General of NDE, Malam Abubakar Fikpo, aimed at boosting micro businesses with more emphasis on women.
He said that each of the beneficiaries would be given the sum of N20, 000, adding that payment would be done directly to their bank accounts.
The coordinator said that some of the beneficiaries in Bauchi will include sellers of masa, zobo drinks, fruits, beans cake (Akara), cap washers, among others.
He said that the beneficiaries were selected across the 20 local government areas of the state.
“The loan has a moratorium period of three months in which thereafter, they would start repayment for the period of three years,” he said.
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He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the loan to achieve its aim of enhancing their businesses.
Hajiya Amina Ibrahim, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of others, promised to channel the loan toward the purpose it was meant.(NAN)