Ogun State Government through its Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), has disbursed over N850m to 22,000 beneficiaries across the State as part of effort to further create employment opportunities and generate wealth to the people.
The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun disclosed this when he declared open the 11 Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Harnessing the Agricultural Value Chain for Sustainable Industrial Development”, organized by the Ogun State Chambers of Commerce Mine and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
“The Ogun State Multipurpose and Credit Agency (OSAMCA, has disbursed well over N850m to 22, 000 beneficiaries a throughout the State. This is part of our efforts to create employment opportunities and generate wealth. I want to call on our people to take advantage of this opportunity and expand your business capacity”, he said.
The governor informed that” our administration has inaugurated Business Environment Council in a bid to promote and facilitate trade. The initiative has created an avenue for all our renowned Entrepreneurs to seamlessly float their respective business in the State”.
Governor Abiodun hinted that the automation of Business Permit (BPP) launched last year was to improve the State’s Ease of Doing Business, noting that it would safe time, increase the State revenue and reduce leakages.
While saying that the fair was an opportunity to explore the agricultural and industrial sectors to further sustain the State’s economy, Prince Abiodun further revealed that the State has been selected as one of the States in the country for the implementation of the Special Agro Processing Industrial Zone supported by the African Finance Development Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Federal Government.
He maintained that the Special Agro Processing Industrial Zone to be based at the Agro-Cargo Airport at Ilishan-Remo, whose runway is being asphalted, would process agriculture produce before they are exported.
The governor commended OGUNCCIMA for its positive impact in promoting trade and investments and being a rallying point for traders and buyers, pledging that his administration would assist the body to increase the level of commercial and industrial activities in the State.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, noted that the Fair has impacted positively on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by by offering market opportunities and the platform for networking among entrepreneurs.
On his part, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina stated that the present administration has transformed the State’s agricultural sector enabling farmers to produce raw materials and linking farmers with industries.
In his welcome address, President, OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye said this year’s fair was part of efforts to raise the agricultural and industrial profile of the State in addition to various initiatives of the government including the Public Private Partnership policy aimed at creating enabling environment for businesses to flourish.
