Council gives N6m interest-free loans to 600 youths

October 27, 2012 09:08

NAN-H-5

Loans

Matazu (Katsina State), Oct. 27, 2012 (NAN) No fewer than 600 youths received N6 million interest-free loans in a micro-credit scheme initiated by the Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The council’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Sani Halliru, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the scheme was introduced to facilitate the growth of small-scale businesses.

Halliru said each of the beneficiaries who were selected from the 10 wards in the area got N10,000 in the scheme, adding that plans were on to expand the programme.

He described the scheme as successful in view of the various investments made by the beneficiaries so far.

The chairman added that another set of 300 women also received N10, 000 each under the scheme.

He commended Gov. Ibrahim Shema for his support to local government administrations and urged the people to elect credible candidates in the forthcoming local government polls in the state.

The chairman also said that his administration had distributed 30 motorised-tricycles (KEKE-NAPEP) to the youths to boost rural transportation in the area.

He enjoined the people to live in peace and engage in good businesses capable of contributing to the development of the area and the nation at large.

According to him, the council has engaged experts to design modern drainage system in Matazu town.

He said that contract would soon be awarded for the control of flood which destroyed many buildings this year.

He cautioned the people against indiscriminate refuse disposal and enjoined residents to redouble their efforts on tree-planting and other measures against environmental pollution.

Halliru said his administration also distributed relief materials to flood victims and reiterated the council’s commitment towards implementing policies aimed at uplifting the people. (NAN)

HMH/DCU/SIA

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