RSG To Float Soft Loans For SMEs

The Rivers State Government has assured business operators in the state of its commitment towards providing necessary facilities that would enhance business activities.
To this end, soft loans would be made available to market women to boast commerce and industry in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, gave the assurance when Market Women and Men Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter led by the state President, Mrs. Charity Abonyo paid her a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Banigo said the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration was determined to improving commercial activities that would ultimately increase standard of living of the people.
The deputy governor said already the government has laid the foundation for an ultra-modern motor spare parts complex to be fully equipped with necessary facilities that would accelerate business transactions in the state.
She assured that the on-going road rehabilitation exercise by the present administration would extend to areas leading to markets and solicited the co-operation of the people in achieving set objectives.
Banigo, however, charged the traders to keep the various markets clean and sell their wares in a hygienic environment while urging them to be safety conscious  avoid keeping inflammable products that could cause fire outbreak in markets places.
“I want to assure you that those things that will make life better for you in the market, access roads to your market areas, and those that need soft loans, it will be provided.” she assured.
The deputy governor thanked the traders for their role in the election of the present government led by Wike, and assured them of government willingness to address their demands.
She also directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, to ensure that market women are carried along in the state government programmes.
Earlier, the President of the Market Women Association, Mrs. Charity Abonyo, had congratulated Wike and his deputy on their April 11 polls victory, noting that her upliftment as the first female deputy governor of Rivers State was an encouragement and liberation for all women in the state.
The President, who spoke through her Secretary, Mrs. Helen Iyalla, said the people of Rivers State have seen visible change under the watch of the present government in the areas of payment of workers’ salaries and the on-going repair of hitherto impassable roads in Port Harcourt metropolis.
The market women used the occasion to decorate the deputy governor as their matron.