Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has approved a N10m revolving loan to Ekiti State Chapter of National Association of Beer, Food and Drinks Sellers.

Governor Fayose made this announcement on Tuesday while addressing members of the association during the swearing-in ceremony of new excos of the association at the Ekiti State Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti.

Governor Fayose who appreciated members of the association for always standing by him through thick and thin promised to continue doing his best at making life better for all and sundry in the state. With a promise to look into all the requests of the association as highlighted by its president, Mr. Fayose asked the executive to ensure the largesse goes round the 16 Local Government Areas with reference to the population of each LG.

The governor assured members that the N10m will be available in cash within the next 24 hours.

Charging Ekiti women to turn out en-mass to be celebrated in a grand style on the occasion of 2017 World Women’s Day which comes up on 8th March, 2017, governor Fayose said “the conference will be celebrated elaborately to identify with the women, we are doing it to let the world know that when you develop an average woman in the society, you are developing the nation. An opportunity for the woman is an opportunity for the children and this government in the 2017 budget is going to give due recognition to women. We are going to support them to make a difference in the society”.

On why the government is making the N10m loan available despite the economic recession in the country, governor Fayose said: “this sector is mostly populated by women, the ‘women’ sector is critical, if you recognise this sector, you will make a lot of progress in human development.

“Most of them are private business owners, beer sellers, food sellers and so on, this loan is to encourage them, this is to create wealth and keep them busy, they can’t earn salary from government but government can encourage and create enabling environment for their business to thrive”.

The newly sworn-in president of the Ekiti State Chapter of National Association of Beer, Food and Drinks Sellers, Mr. Williams Ogundare aka Genesis commended governor Fayose for his fatherly role in harmonising stakeholders in the sector.

Ogundare who said he has over 15 years beer selling business experience made it clear that the association has never had it so good in the history of Ekiti State. Other members of the association who spoke with newsmen eulogised governor Fayose for the kind gesture thanking him for the recognition given them. They described the gesture as first of its kind.