Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has assured traders and shop owners who incurred losses at the recent fire disaster at Oba Lipede Ultra-Modern Market, Kuto, Abeokuta, that he would come to their immediate succour.
Prince Abiodun made this pledge during an on the spot assessment of some parts of the market destroyed by the fire in company of some members of the state Executive Council.
According to the governor, instruction has already been given to appropriate quarters to ensure enumeration of those affected and to fast-track efforts at providing succour for the affected shop owners.
He pledged his administration’s commitment towards cushioning the adverse impact of the disaster on the traders, noting that: "It is most unfortunate that this has happened at this time; the time when most of them are struggling; so we feel their pain and we identify with them and I have told them they are not alone, I will not leave them alone.
"As a responsible government, we are going to step in and provide the needed support for them at this time so they can continue to do their businesses", he said.
While commending the state Fire Service for its timely intervention, the Governor disclosed that his administration would study the report on the immediate or remote cause of the fire incident and how best to prevent future occurrence, informing that the Bureau of Electrical Services had been directed to provide electricity to the market which was built over forty years ago.
In a related development, the governor has also pledged to give total support to young entrepreneurs in the state in a bid to equip them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
Governor Abiodun said he would employ strategic stakeholders in areas of training, mentoring for these young entrepreneurs and would also assist them in the area of provision of fund.
Governor Abiodun, in the company of the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Michel Deelen, made the pledge while launching the Orange Corners Nigeria Hub in Abeokuta, noting that the initiative aligned with the strategic priorities and economic agenda of the State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, Abiodun said the initiative would ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of youths while propelling the state towards greater socio-economic development.
He expressed the willingness of the present administration to partner with the Hub on access to market for Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs), policy advocacy and support, infrastructure development, capacity building and mentorship.
“With the launch of this innovative hub in Ogun State, we are poised to witness a new wave of entrepreneurial excellence that will significantly contribute to the growth and prosperity of our state.
“This initiative will create jobs and stimulate economic activities, while it significantly contributes to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Ogun State, enhance social security and reduce youth unrest”, he said.
He noted that his administration has been consistent in promoting entrepreneurship, pointing out that different initiatives such as, the Ogun Tech Hub, Ogun State Enterprise Development Agency (OGS-EDA), Ogun SME Financial Empowerment Scheme, the 1,000-hectare Small and Medium Enterprises Industrial Land Acquisition Scheme (SILAS), among others, had been introduced to promote entrepreneurship, improve infrastructure and enhance the overall business climate in the State, while the N200b FGN-Presidential intervention Funds window have also been leveraged to boost SMEs
The State's helmsman said government had been more deliberate in improving the Ease of Doing Business and attracting investments through the implementation of business-friendly reforms, provision of critical infrastructure, as well as critical investments in the security of lives and property.
Speaking, Consul General, Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Nigeria, Michel Deelen, said the Netherlands would partner with the FATE Foundation to empower entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and funding, thereby boosting their businesses.
On his part, the Executive Director, FATE Foundation, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, noted that the launch would widen the horizon of the Hub and impact more entrepreneurs, disclosing that 20 entrepreneurs, who had been selected to pioneer the project in the State, would benefit from a comprehensive six-month incubation and empowerment programme, as well as financial grants to help set up their businesses.
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