AbdulRazaq disburses fresh N200m support grant to 4000 artisans
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday launched the disbursement of N50,000 grant each for at least 4000 artisans to support their businesses and strengthen the local economy.
AbdulRazaq said at the launch in Ilorin, the state capital on Thursday that the programme is one of the initiatives of the state government to support local industries, talents and SMEs to grow.
The administration had in 2020 contracted the production of 500,000 facemasks to the state branch of the Nigerian Tailoring Union to curb the spread of COVID 19, apart from several other supports so far extended to the group.
AbdulRazaq said the artisans are the custodians of various skills and key drivers of sustainable economic growth, adding that their inclusion in the intervention will help to encourage skills development and grow the economy.
He congratulated all the beneficiaries and urged them to make good use of the grant for good impacts on the society.
Acting General Manager, Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), AbdulQuowiyu Olododo, while speaking at the event, said 4,000 artisans were carefully selected from 13,000 applicants across the 16 local governments, calling it another giant step toward eradicating poverty in the state.
He commended AbdulRazaq for his leadership quality, his passion for the masses, and how he has been supporting the agency to thrive in its given task.
President, State Artisans Congress, Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina, appreciated the governor for his leadership style and how he has been supporting the local artisans in various ways.
He said the current grant of N50,000 each for 4000 artisans was unique and will make a great impact in the lives of the recipients.
Adeshina said Kwara artisans cannot quantify the large impacts of support they are getting from the administration, alluding to the various programmes that have so far benefitted his members.
