The Oyo State Government has continued its efforts to ameliorate the effect of fuel subsidy on its citizens, as it disbursed loan cheques to some farmers who came from all the zones in the state.
The symbolic presentation of cheques to the farmers was held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Agric and Rural Development, State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
The Commissioner for Agric and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleleye
noted that the generosity of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration vis-a-vis the distribution of palliatives to the farmers will go a long way in alleviating the problem of high cost of fishery or Poultry feeds and other farm inputs.
He added that aside from the loan support, other efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal include food intervention, transportation, health and food security through loan and farm input to farmers.
Earlier in his remark, the Chairman Agricultural Credit Cooperation of Oyo State ACCOS, Shiek Taofeek Akewugbagbagold, said the programme must not be misconstrued as a National or State cake to be shared but rather a revolving fund to ensure that Farmers are in production to boost their capacity with a view to sustaining and maintaining food security in the state.
In his remarks, the General,ACCOS, Mr Emanuel Ogundiran, said the selection of the beneficiaries was devoid of political affiliations, as he enjoined them to use it judiciously and ensure repayment for others to benefit.
Some of the beneficiaries, who lauded the Oyo state government pledged that the loan will be used to sustain their businesses as well as contribute to the revenue generation of the state
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of the cheques to the beneficiaries.
The Programme was attended by some representatives of selected Micro finance banks in the state.