Date: 2015-07-29

Kwara State has disbursed over N1.2b to traders, farmers, as well as artisans under its empowerment programme, the Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, has said.

Ahmed who stated this at the opening of Brightway Microfinance Bank in Ilorin, said the money was disbursed through 10 Microfinance Banks across the state.

He said the scheme has enhanced inclusive banking, adding that financial services have been extended "to more than 50,000 individuals and 2,500 cooperatives who would otherwise have been excluded from banking services."

Ahmed said arrangements have also been completed to inject additional funds into the program so that more entrepreneurs and youths would start or expand their business, development, he explained that would create employment for more people in the State.

The governor advised commercial and microfinance banks "to design services and products that are suitable and affordable to MSMEs. He added that such services should include affordable microfinance facilities with low interest rates that would be appealing to entrepreneurs.