The Abia State Government has commenced the disbursement of interest-free loans to 302 youths trained in agricultural ventures in the state, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu, has disclosed.
Addressing Government House correspondents yesterday (Monday, October 14) on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Umuahia, Kanu that the beneficiaries of the loans were sponsored for the training programme as part of government’s measures to boost food production in the state.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Abia Stategovernment in February sponsored 302 youths to receive training in various agricultural ventures at a Nassarawa-based farm, CSS Global Integrated Farms.
“The process for the disbursement of interest free loans in 302 CSS farms trained youth farmers has commenced,” the Commissioner enthused.
“This follows the flag off and approval of the disbursement of interest free loans by his Excellency, Dr Alex Otti sometime in September.”
He said that the state Ministry of Agriculture would ensure that the disbursement of the loans follows due process to ensure that the purpose for disbursing the funds is realised.
“Beneficiaries will not be given one balloon payment; rather the disbursement will be in tranches on milestones that will be tied to the level of extent of work done by the beneficiaries,” Kanu added.
“All these are to ensure that the loans are adequately utilised.”
