By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Owners of small businesses in Niger State have been supported with N1 billion funding package to help them grow bigger.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr Danjuma Sallau, explained that the fund was mainly to cushion the effect of economic situation in the Niger State.
He enjoined beneficiaries to judiciously make use of the money to grow their businesses, which he said should improve economy of the state.
Mr Sallau, during a reception organized in his honour by the Association of Small Scale Businesses Operators in Minna, the state capital, said the role of the sector in an economy cannot be pushed aside.
However, he emphasised that the N1 billion to be disbursed to them by the state government was in form of a loan, which would be given at a low interest rate.
“Very soon, another N1 billion will be released to cushion the effect of economic hardship in doing business,” he said.’’
“The Niger State government will do everything possible to create an enabling environment to enhance businesses, so as to uplift the standard of living of the people,” he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the association, Mr Abdullahi Saidu, thanked the state government for the gesture and assured the commission that the money would be used for what it was released for.
Mr Saidu, who was represented by the body’s scribe, Mr Musa Kala, promised that the group will also support government’s programmes aimed at uplifting the state’s economy.
Adedapo Adesanya