Kaduna to disburse interest-free loans to 7,650 persons

THE Kaduna State government is to disburse interest-free loans to 7,650 beneficiaries under its poverty alleviation scheme.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Yohanna Chindo made the announcement on Friday in Kaduna at a skill acquisition training programme for spouses and dependants of military and civilian personnel.

He said vulnerable groups, including youths and the physically challenged would be given priority to reduce their level of vulnerability.

Chindo said the loan was to boost the business ventures of the target groups, who had acquired training in tailoring, hair dressing, barbing, ICT, catering, and solar energy provision.

He also announced that government would soon distribute poverty alleviation materials to 3,200 persons in the state.

Chindo said the materials, including sewing, grinding and vulcanising machines, barbing and hair dresssing equipment, would also boost the economic activities of the beneficiaries and create jobs for others.

The Managing Partner, Mcaf Associates, co-ordinators of the training programme, Mr. Ken Ahukurah, had earlier said the company was collaborating with some selected micro finance banks to disburse the loans to the trainees.

He said the company had set aside N500,000 to establish a coordinating office for empowering beneficiaries in different trades.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loans.

He also advised them to produce quality products to attract patronage.

Responding on behalf of the 600 trainees, Mrs Serah Lassa, also a beneficiary, commended the Nigerian Army Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Mcaf Associates for supporting them.

Source : Guardian