Ekiti State government has said that the proposed agency banking scheme would create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for the people at the grassroots in the state.
The commissioner for wealth creation and employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, who stated this, however, said traditional rulers in the state have important roles to play in ensuring the success of the scheme which will soon become operational in the state.
Fasae who spoke during an advocacy visit to the State Council of the Traditional Rulers in Ado Ekiti said the present administration was passionate about the wellbeing and the growth of the people in terms of job creation
Governor Biodun Oyebanji had approved the sum of N250 million as a startup loan to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Ekiti State Employment Trust Fund (ETF).
The commissioner added that when the Employment Trust Fund becomes operational, it would provide funding support MSMEs for Ekiti people at a low interest repayment rate.
He said the proposed agency banking scheme would greatly solve the problem of limited access to financial services in the rural areas as well as engendering the growth of small and medium enterprises ( SMEs) in the rural areas of the state.
Fasae said his ministry would commence Data collation of intended beneficiaries next week adding that the scheme would be funded by the partnering banks, while the Government will provide a conducive environment for its safe and smooth operations.
The commissioner revealed that the government is collaborating with Wema Bank Plc in training about 20,000 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years old in different skills and vocations like agribusiness, information and communication technology (ICT) among others.
