The Abia State Government is set to launch a N1 billion interest-free revolving loan on Thursday, aimed at benefiting 9,200 residents across the state’s 184 wards.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this initiative during a press briefing at Government House in Umuahia.
He detailed that 50 beneficiaries from each ward have been selected for the first phase of the loan scheme.
This scheme, described as both a palliative and empowerment program, is designed to improve the lives of the recipients.
The Commissioner emphasized the anticipated positive short, medium, and long-term effects on the state’s economy.
“In fulfilment of one of his campaign promises, Dr. Alex Otti will on Thursday, the 11th of July 2024, officially launch the disbursement of interest-free revolving loans to Abians under the Abia State Cooperative Support Scheme. This is meant to support nano and micro business operators in the state. It is meant to help them in their businesses. It will help to ameliorate the difficulties people are experiencing in their businesses as a result of the economic headwinds that are currently affecting the nation’s economy,” Kanu stated.
The Commissioner also addressed the rising issue of vandalism in public schools and properties, expressing the government’s strong disapproval.
He called on President Generals of Town Unions, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to take responsibility for protecting public schools in their communities.
“We found out that people are busy trying to vandalize school properties and this ugly trend needs to be stopped so that the effort the government is making at reforming the education sector will not be in vain,” he said.
Additionally, Kanu announced the impending enforcement against street trading and illegal motor parks in Aba and Umuahia, urging those involved to cease such activities.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, reiterated the government’s patient approach over the past three months and highlighted the need for enforcement to ensure the safety of Abia’s cities.
“Now we want to get into enforcement, having pleaded with our people for the past three months, we believe we have done enough, we owe all Abians a duty to ensure our cities are safe, that’s what we want to achieve and that is in the interest of all Abians,” Nwachukwu commented.
In a related matter, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara, addressed allegations of excessive monthly payments to his office, firmly denying that any state officials receive such large sums.
He stated, “I want to categorically state here, that the Commissioner of Finance does not take home N10 million monthly. It is not done anywhere. I also want to say that none of my colleagues take home such big sums of money, they said some take home N5 million, and some others N3 million monthly. There is nothing like that.”
