Date: 2017-02-16

Kwara State government has invested N2.5billion in small and medium scale enterprises (SME) micro-credit intervention scheme since it began in 2012, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said.

He spoke when he received executives of the Joint Tricycle Association at the Government House, Ilorin.

The governor said the scheme was established to support small business owners as part of efforts to boost the informal sector.

He said the government injected funds into the scheme to empower people and cushion the effects of recession.

Ahmed said: "If any government intends to end recession, it must inject more money into circulation.

"So, releasing that substantial amount into the economy is part of our plans and measures to deal with recession. We are ready to support our people, particularly those in the informal sector, to survive recession."

He said the government would assist the association through provision of tricycles for members at subsidised rates so they could contribute to the economy.

"The government is planning to assist those in the informal sector to improve their businesses, to enable them pay taxes for development," the governor added.

He urged the association to support the government to promote peace, security and order.

Ahmed advised members not to allow miscreants infiltrate them.

The association Chairman, Prince Duro Oyebade, hailed the governor for his leadership and payment of salaries despite recession.