By Daniel Agbo
Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has described small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as viable avenues through which the economic recovery of the Nigeria could be achieved.
The governor, who made this known yesterday during a courtesy call on him by members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI) at the People’s House, Makurdi, said he was ready to partner with small and medium scale business owners in order to turn around the economic fortunes of the state.
He disclosed that he was willing to also lease out moribund industries in the state to interested investors to help turn around fortunes of the companies.
The governor also approved the association’s request for leasing of the Benue state Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and directed the Commissioners for Industries, Trade and Investment; Finance and Justice to liaise with NASSI leadership with a view to translating their requests and proposals into actionable plans for the overall developent of the state.
He approved N1oo million loan from the N2billion domiciled with the Bank of Industries (BOI) for disbursement to members of NASSI.
Ortom said he had directed that all those with undeveloped plots of land at the industrial layout in Makurdi should have their deals terminated and given to people with the capacity to develop them for business purposes, stressing that the industrial layout was for industries and not residential area.
Earlier in her address, state chairman of NASSI, Mrs. Gladys Shaahu, requested for the support and approval for partnership with the state and local government councils in the rural poultry upgrading scheme across the 23 local government areas in the state.
