Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday flagged off the distribution of N350m interest-free loans to 1,000 residents across the state, aimed at empowering small business clusters, boosting local economies, and promoting sustainable development.
Beneficiaries received N350,000 each under the Kwara Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, implemented in partnership with the World Bank through its Community Revolving Fund initiative.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, AbdulRazaq urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and repay promptly to enable others to benefit.
“This World Bank-supported initiative has been designed to provide our women, youth, farmers, and cooperatives with access to resources that will enable them to create wealth, generate employment, and uplift households. Hence it is a practical step towards reducing poverty,” he said.
Commissioner for Environment and ACReSAL Steering Committee Chairman, Nafisat Buge, said the success of the programme depends on beneficiaries’ commitment to repaying the loans.
She added that the initiative has also provided rural communities with potable water to improve living conditions.
State Project Coordinator Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe described the initiative as a demonstration of the governor’s dedication to inclusive development, while the Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya, praised AbdulRazaq’s efforts in community development.
A beneficiary representative, Mrs Abdulkareem Olapeju, thanked the Governor, describing the initiative as life-changing.
