Abia Govt. set to launch N1 billion interest free business loan on Thursday

By : Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia

Abia state government will on Thursday this week launch one billion Naira Interest Free Revolving Loan Scheme for 9,200 Abians from 184 political wards in the state in the first phase of the programme.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture in the state Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting presided by Governor Alex Otti on Monday.

He said the 50 beneficiaries would be selected from each political ward in the state,adding that the scheme which is an interventionist and empowerment programme would help the beneficiaries as well as have positive effect on the Abia economy.

He said, “Gov. Alex otti will on Thursday July 11, officially launch the disbursement of interest free revolving loans to Abians via the Abia State co-operative and support schemes.

“This is meant to support micro businesses operating in the state. It is an interventionists program that will act as a palliative and empowerment to the beneficiaries.

“To Ensure an even spread around the state 50 beneficiaries have been drawn from 184 political wards in the state.

“The short, medium and long time effect of the program is huge and it definitely have a positive effects on the state economy and it will help to amilorate the difficulties people are facing in their businesses in face of economics down turn in the country”.

Prince Kanu noted with dismay, the rise in vandalisation of public schools and property in the state, a situation he said government frowns at.

He pointed out that such acts of vandalism must stop forthwith and urged presidents general, town union executive and others stakeholders to take ownership of the public schools in their communities.

The Information boss announced that henceforth enforcement against street trading and illegal motor park operations in Aba and Umuahia would commence and advised those engaging in such acts to desist forthwith.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Uzor Nwachukwu said the government has so far shown understanding and applied human face to the enforcement and would now act accordingly.

Also, speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara clarified that contrary to the rumours making the rounds that he takes 10 million Naira monthly, neither him nor other Abia state government officials take home 10 million Naira monthly from the government coffers, adding that such rumours are unfounded.

L-R Chief Press to Gov. Otti. Njoku Ukoha, Commissioner for Finance Mike Akpara, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu, Commissioner for LG/chieftaincy affairs Uzor Nwachukwu and special Adviser to Gov. Otti on Media and publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma

#enyinnayaapugo