BY DAUD OLATUNJI

ABEOKUTA – The Bank of Industry, BOI, has explained why it offered a N500 million Industrial Development Fund to the government of Ogun State to tackle poverty, unemployment and insecurity.

Speaking yesterday, the Principal officer, Lagos zone of BOI, Sunny Ekedaye, hinted that the partnership with Ogun State Government was for development of the people with a view to tackling the level of unemployment and poverty in the state.

While commenting on the importance of the workshop organised by the state government and BOI, Ekedaye said it was organised to let the potential entrepreneurs understand why the money was given.

He disclosed that, the fund would be accessed by selected 1,000 graduates as well as artisans and marketers and other people in the state.

He said, “we want to make them understand that this is not a government largess; it is meant for serious minded people. The money is for those that will really utilise it for the purpose it is meant, because at the end we want to see that there is more value addition, employment generation, and enhanced families.

“It is meant for artisans, business men and women, unemployed, among others, there is no barrier what so ever to those who can access the loan, “ he assured.