Akwa Ibom Government To Continue Traders Non-Interest Loan Scheme

The Akwa Ibom State government has said that it will continue the interest-free loan scheme for traders in the state.

The government further pledged to ensure that more beneficiaries access the facility.

The Governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel, who made the pledge when he accompanied by his preferred successor, Pastor Umo Eno, visited the traders’ associations at the popular Itam Market, Itu local government. 

The visit which was to thank traders for their support towards his administration also provided a platform to solicited for continued support of his succession plan.

He also announced the appointment of three new Special Assistants (SAs) on trade and market matters as well as promotion of, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael from SA to the position of Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on trade and market matters.

“Each time I come here, you people keep impressing me more and more.

"There’s so much leadership here, so much followership, and so much love and unity.

"I have heard about the clamour for more SAs on trade and market matters and the promotion of the SA Idorenyin Raphael to SSA.

"Since the voice of the people, as they say, is the voice of God, I say carry go.

"Let your SA be promoted to SSA and one SA from each of the three senatorial districts.

"But when you are sending your SA nominees list, at least one must be a woman.

“I have also heard that interest-free loan has helped people a lot.

"If an initiative is helpful to the people, it should continue.

"But please, this time around the traders’ associations will manage it such that more serious traders can be identified.

“I cannot do this from my office, so the Board of Trustees of the different associations will give us one person each so that we can constitute a committee.

"We will commence the administration of the loan immediately.”

On his part, the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno, who promised to consolidate on the Governor's efforts towards the welfare of the traders, appreciated the traders for endorsing him as their gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election.

In his goodwill message, the member representing Itu State Constituency, Kufreabasi Edidem, said the Itam Market Women Cooperative Society, were appreciative that their members benefitted from the interest-free loan sponsored by the state government.

Edidem particularly thanked the Governor for the existing peace in the state, stressing that the provided security has enabled the traders to go about their businesses smoothly.