Godspower Eguasa
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has committed the sum of one billion naira to support market women and traders in the state.
Obaseki made this known while addressing the Association of Market Women in Edo State, at the Lawn Tennis Court Section of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, on Tuesday September 17, 2024, in Benin City.
Obaseki who appreciated the Association for their support and collaboration in the reforms and developmental strides by his administration, expressed optimism that the one billion naira committed by his administration to support businesses in the state, will bring about a revolution in the commercial environment, boosting productivity and returns on investment for citizens and residents.
According to the Governor, “I want to sincerely thank you for your immense cooperation and contributions to my administration in the last 8 years. Before now, you could testify how the miscreants encouraged and paraded by the previous administration were bullying and extorting money from you, but at the resumption of my administration, I supported you and put a stop to the activities of these miscreants and their illegal extortions.
“I am bringing to you, Asue Ighodalo, my Successor by the Grace of God, who will sustain the sanity I have kickstarted in the market system, and keep those miscreants that my administration has fought over the years, perpetually banned. He would bring dignity to your labour.”
Obaseki added: “The message I have brought to you today is not one that is politically motivated. I know how difficult things are for you market women, especially how the impact of inflation has negatively affected your activities, profitability, and purchasing power. I have been thinking as a government, about how we can assist you in scaling through these economic hurdles, although we have been assisting those vulnerable and indigent residents of the state; but this time, we want to assist you the market women in our state”.
Obaseki harped on the state’s commitment to assisting market women, boosting businesses and creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. He further called for massive support for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie to sustain ongoing developments and reforms in the state.
“We have decided to provide adequate support financially, to help boost your businesses. I know how you market women are involved in ‘Osusu’ contributions as a way of helping one another. As a government, I have decided to support you with the sum of one billion naira to help you and other traders in Edo State to boost business activities in Edo. We would also stay back to watch the mechanism you will be using to dispense this money to ensure equity, fairness, and transparency.
“When Asue Ighodalo resumes as Governor, I am confident he will sustain and even double what I have started. Once again, I thank you for your support. Please I urge you to come out en masse to vote for Asue as Governor on September 21st. I am again confident he will exceed what I have started in the development of our dear state”, Obaseki said.
