Akwa Ibom State Government has boosted its drive towards the realisation of the vision for Wealth Creation by presenting funds to it citizens to enable them break even in their various enterprises.

The fund which is made available through the Micro Scale And Medium Enterprises is to cater for one thousand beneficiaries who are mostly traders. The percentage of disbursement is sixty five for Women while the Men will access the remaining thirty five.

Speaking at Ibom Hall, Venue of the presentation, Governor Udom Emmanuel said that the loan which is revolving and interest-free, will boost working capital of the traders and enable them excel in their businesses.

He announced plans to organise training workshop on entrepreneurial development and financial management, to equip the traders with requisite skills that would facilitate their business undertakings and made a donation of a Toyota Hiace Bus to the Traders Association.

Governor Emmanuel charged the beneficiaries to be prudent in the management of the fund to enable other beneficiaries access the loan and solicited their partnership in the administration's determination to create wealth and improve the living conditions of its citizens.

Setting the tone for the occasion, the Commissioner for Finance Mr Akan Okon, stated that the loan is sequel to the Central Bank directive for the empowerment of Entrepreneurs which he described as the engine room for economic growth. He thanked the Governor for keeping his campaign promise with the traders and warned them against diversion of the funds to other needs.

The State President, Conference Of Traders Association Obong Christopher Usoro, in his speech pointed out that the traders have never had it so good as the Governor decided to provide them with capital for their businesses. He commended Governor Emmanuel for including them in his development agenda and supported the gesture with a presentation of an Award of Excellence, on behalf of the Traders, to the Governor.

In a goodwill message, the President Akwa Ibom Traders Network, Mr Moses Sambo and his counterpart in the Market Women Association, Madam Magdalen Udom, noted that the Governor has established a long lasting relationship with the traders by looking into their welfare and equipped them for their businesses.

Mr Sambo assured that the funds would be properly utilised in the interest of the Traders Association and pledged their continued support to the administration.

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Nnd