Ekiti State Government has earmarked N20 million as soft loans for artisans, just as it declared August 6 as Artisans’ Day to appreciate their contributions to the development of the state.
Also, the state government will soon set up a board to promote the activities of artisans in various fields and incorporate them into its developmental plan.
Governor Ayo Fayose, who stated this during a meeting he had with artisans in Ado-Ekiti said the role of artisans could not be over-emphasised.
Fayose said the initial seed money for the soft loans would be N10 million and that the remaining sum would be added later.
He added that each artisan would be entitled to a maximum of N50, 000 and that they would be given two weeks grace before they begin weekly repayment of N1, 000.
The President of Ekiti Artisans Association, Mr J.O. Adu, praised Governor Fayose for his support to his members, even as he requested further assistance. This is just as the organised labour in Ekiti State has appreciated Governor Fayose for his love for workers.