Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola has commended the Social Intervention Programme of the Federal government, saying it has contributed to the betterment of less privileged citizens in the country.
Oyetola made the commendation on Monday during the flag off ceremony of Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 2.0) and On boarding of Independent Monitor- NSIP held in Osogbo, Osun state capital.
The governor who was represented by the State Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, said the programme has been designed specifically at alleviating and empowering the people.
Oyetola who enjoined the beneficiaries of the programme to use the free interest loan judiciously and pay back on time said the programme has clearly portrayed the Federal government as a responsible government which has been equally displayed by his administration in Osun such as food support scheme, school feeding, youths and women empowerment and welfare of the aged among others.
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on National Social Investment Programme-NSIP, Lukman Bello congratulated the beneficiaries of Tradermoni and Marketmoni under the responsible and responsive leadership of President Muhammudu Buhari and for them to be part of the Federal government largesse.
Bello described the purpose of the event as Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme is specifically designed as part of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) aimed at offering interest and collateral free credit to the millions of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating at the bottom of Nigerian economy.
According to him, “the goal of the programme is to empower unemployed youths, local farmers and vulnerable women of the society. It is pertinent to state that 4,509 successful beneficiaries across all the Local Government in Osun has been issued Credit Card to access interest free loan of Fifty Thousand Naira 50,000 each, credited to their account opened for them at Access Bank by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
“As at today, Osun State has the highest number of beneficiaries recorded so far throughout the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory which make me to appreciate Governor Oyetola for his proactive and supports while he loves to be creating better life for his citizens”
In her address, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk ably represented by Mr. Rufai Tokunbo Rafiu admonished the beneficiaries of the loan to use it judiciously for their upliftment, Osun State and entire nation while asking them to pay it back at the shortest time for others to benefit.