Taraba Govt. launches disbursement of fifty thousand naira grants to MSE
By Daniel Mtindiga
Taraba state government through the state Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry on Thursday began disbursement of fifty thousand naira (50,000.) operational support grants to Micro and Small Enterprises in the state.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony, the Deputy Governor of Taraba state His Excellency, Alh. Aminu Abdullahi Alkali who represented Gov. Agbu Kefas, expressed deep delight for the successful launch of the programme stating that, the operational support grants are tailored at empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in line with the moving forward agenda of Dr. Agbu Kefas.
He reiterated the readiness and commitment of Gov. Kefas’ administration in alleviating poverty and hunger in the state through deliberate policies that have positive bearing on Tarabans emphasizing that, the beneficiaries should utilize the grants for its purpose for more growth and better standard of living.
“Be rest assured of our readiness and commitment in initiating and implementing policies that have positive impact on you. I declare the unwavering determination of our administration in supporting Micro and Small enterprises in Taraba state.
“I urge you the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants to improve and develop your businesses to assist the government in creating jobs for our teaming youths,” he said.
Similarly, the honorable Commissioner of Commerce, Trade industry, Peter George earlier in his address, lauded Gov. Kefas and the World Bank for supporting the programme noting that, the program is targeted at boosting local businesses, stimulating economic development thereby enhancing creation of jobs in the state.
He noted that in 2020, the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the World Bank, initiated a programme known as “Nigeria Covid-19 Action for Recovery and Economic Stimulus (NG CARES) geared towards states’ specific need(s) and that consequently, Taraba state government like other states in the country, domesticated the programme as Taraba Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (TR CARES) with interest in the Micro and Small enterprises sub sector among others.
The Commissioner maintained that, thee support initiative for Micro and Small enterprises is leveraged under the state Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry with the core mandate to prevent collapse and as well, facilitate the recovery of Micro and Small enterprises in the state.
He however, tasked beneficiaries to use the funds maximally to grow/strengthen their businesses.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today to flag off the disbursement of Operational Support Grants to eligible Micro and Small enterprises. Beneficiaries, I admonish to use these funds judiciously to strengthen your businesses, stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihood of our communities.”
More so, the State Programme Coordinator, Taraba Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (TR CARES), Micro and Small Enterprises Polycarp S. Adi, lauded Gov. Agbu Kefas for his generous support in making the initiative possible stressing that, the commitment of Dr. Kefas in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in the state is truly commendable.
He disclosed that, the sum of four hundred and forty two million naira (442,000,000) has been processed for disbursement to seven thousand, fifteen (7,015) eligible beneficiaries across Taraba state.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Inusa Mubarak, appreciated organizes of the programme and pledged to use the funds for the purpose for which it is intended.
The ceremony which took place today at Camp View Hotel Jalingo, drew from all spheres of life, high profile personalities and top government functionaries.
