Date: 2017-08-27

The Kwara State Government has injected about N2.2 billion to support entrepreneurs including Artisans through various credit schemes.

It allocated N500 million in this year's budget for the same purpose. The state has also put in place strategies to ensure the growth of Small and Medium enterprises.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed stated this in Ilorin while inaugurating the Executives of the State Artisans Congress.

Governor Ahmed explained that the informal sector has been ?accepted globally as a crucial generator of income, goods and services and employment hence the attention given to the sector.

"One hundred million Naira revolving loan was distributed to Artisan groups across the 16 Local Government Areas and about 150 taxis, 25 buses and 193 motorcycles were distributed to 53 associations under the State Artisan Congress," the Governor explained.

Tax relief regime

Governor Ahmed said that the State government would start a five-year tax relief regime for new small business owners to promote economic growth and ensure the development of the State.

He reassured the people that government has not introduced new taxes but had succeeded in blocking leakages in the collection of revenue through the State Internal Revenue Service thereby increasing the Internally Generated Revenue.

The Governor stressed that the state's International Vocational Technical and Entrepreneurship College was aimed at empowering youths with modern vocational skills and create next generation of Nigerians entrepreneurs.

Governor Ahmed told the Artisan Congress in Kwara to position the body as an important player in economic growth for the benefits of its members.

Governor Ahmed was represented by his Deputy, Peter Kisira.

?The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki commended members of the Congress for their support and prayer towards the upliftment of the State.

Dr Saraki pledged to assist members of the Congress to expand their businesses. One of his aides, Alli Olola was represented him.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Artisan Related Matters, Mr Oyedele Adetula said government had created enabling environment for Artisans to strive despite recession and other economic challenges.

The Immediate Past President of the Congress, Abdullahi Lanky commended Governor Ahmed for his support to the Congress.

?The Chairman of the State Labour Congress, Comrade Yekini Agunbiade and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Sunday Alabi called on members of the Congress to work with the government in the development of the State.

?The new President of the Congress, Saad Alawaiye pledged to work for the upliftment of members' welfare.