Plateau govt to sign Mou with BoI on N2bn matching fund

ARRANGEMENTS have been concluded by the Plateau State Government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank of Industry (BOI) on matching fund of two billion Naira (N2Bn) facility to enable the trained people in the state have access to funds at a subsidized rates for the establishment of their businesses.

Governor Simon Lalong disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the Plateau State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Fair at the Jos Polo Field adding that the State Government in partnership with the European Union (EU) had also organised an exhibition programme for MSMEs to showcase Made-In-Plateau products which is a move towards encouraging MSMEs and linking them to markets and financial institutions.

He assured that the state would continue to sustain its investment in skills acquisition and enterprise development to enhance the economic wellbeing of its citizens and stimulate the general economic growth of the country.

He commended the Vice President Osinbajo for simulating growth in the economy and the social investment programmes that Government has initiated to give the citizens a feel of the dividends of good governance.

He further pointed out that the state had established the microfinance and SMEs Agency of Plateau State, which is saddled with the responsibility of promotion of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, vocational and skills acquisition, youths and women empowerment programmes among others.

The governor stated that Plateau also keyed into all the agricultural value chains which the State had comparative advantage over other States, adding that the desire was to stimulate growth, enhance food security, while also providing a viable and veritable source of income for the indigenes of the State.

Said he: “As a State, we have keyed into the objectives of the Micro, Small and Medium (MSME) clinic which is to bring all relevant stakeholders and business operators together, to discuss issues affecting the setup and operations of MSMEs in Nigeria. Further to this is for government and other stakeholders to share and provide information on all policies and programmes that, have being initiated in the country to encourage activities of MSMEs.”