Job creation for the unemployed and economic empowerment of the people has remain a major focus of the present administration in Kogi State.
Similarly, the present administration in Kogi State says despite lean available financial resources, it is silently and steadily meeting the expectations of the people in improving the lives and well being of its citizenry.
Capt Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor stated this at the flag off ceremony of the presentation of the National Automotive Council N40million loan to Automobile Artisans in Kogi State.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described the Artisans and the target audience of the loan beneficiary as central to his administration,lauded the private initiative that is aimed at empowering people at the informal sector.
The initiative which the Governor noted is a quantum leap and in consonants with the administrations avowed commitment to poverty alleviation, will go a long way in reducing poverty, appealed to the Automotive Council to fast track the building of a mechanic village, so as to create an atmosphere that will enhance the practice of Automotive businesses.
The Governor commended the Kogi Micro Finance Bank and the National Automotive Council, said the state will partner with the two organization to establish mechanic centers in four locations in the State where interested youths will be trained on Automobile works.
The Governor appealed to the beneficiaries to put to good use the loan scheme adding that the timely repayment of the loan will enable the release of the other trench of the loan.
In his message at the occasion, Director General of National Automotive Council, Alhaji Aminu Jalal, said the Council has redesigned the training curriculum for Mechanics to enable the Automotive Artisans fit into the latest design of modern cars.
The DG commended the State Government for allocating a plot of land to the Automotive Council to build a mechanic village, assured that efforts will be intensified for the building of the village.
While delivering his goodwill message,the Chairman of Kogi Micro Finance Bank, Peter Abutu, commended the State Government in its financial empowerment to vulnerable groups,called for a working partnership between the Bank and the State Government towards improving the informal sector through a deliberate loan scheme, which he described is the engine of growth of any economy.
Earlier in his remarks,Victor Abdullahi Ibrahim, Managing Director of Kogi Micro Finance Bank PLC, said the Bank is committed to joining the present administration in reducing unemployment.
The Managing Director, urged the beneficiaries to use the loan for the purposes intended adding that the repayment rate of previous loan by Auto Technicians in the state enabled the securing of the N40million, added that the loan is also meant for NATA.
Comrade John Peter who spoke on behalf of the Automotive Artisans and NATA commended the Kogi Micro Finance Bank adding that the loans will be used for the purposes intended.
