Kogi Gov't assures support for businesses affected by COVID-19 pandemic »

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Pastor Ezekiel Shaibu, has reiterated the government’s commitment towards ensuring that, businesses that were adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic are being resuscitated.

Shaibu made the statement at the zonal stakeholders sensitization program on the KG-CARES Result Area 3 project held at Anyigba, Kogi State.

Shaibu who represented by the commissioner of the ministry, Honourable Olofu Yunusa Gabriel stated that, the current administration is poised to ensure business stability in Kogi State.

In his key note address, the State Cares Coordinating Unit head, Mr Sanni Haruna noted that, the program is an emergency response for businesses impacted by the pandemic and ensure their continuity.

Earlier in her remarks,the MD/CEO Kogi Enterprise Development Agency, KEDA, Hajia Rekiya Onaivo Sanni noted that, KEDA’s mandate is to enhance the capabilities of MSEs in Kogi State which will in turn, increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the State.

Hajia Sanni, while intimating prospective beneficiaries on the eligibility criteria for the KG-CARES project maintained that, prospective beneficiaries would be verified by independent agents to ascertain whether or not they’re qualified.

She advised prospective beneficiaries to ensure that their provided data corresponds with their Bank Verification Numbers,(BVN) to avoid being disqualified from the KG-CARES project.

She urged participants be wary of all forms of fraudulent activities and report such to KEDA, adding that, KEDA will not demand any form of payment to register beneficiaries.

Highpoint of the event was the official Unveiling and Handing over of the Greivance boxes to the vice Chairpersons of the local government areas for grievance Redress purposes,anchored by the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Buba.

Participants were drawn from all the LGAs in the Eastern senatorial district of the State.

In attendance were; the Ejeh of Dekina, his Royal Highness, Alh. Usman Obaje, Onuh of Ankpa, Alh. Abdulkareem Umar. The royal fathers commended the governor for the program, noting that, it will improve the livelihoods of the rural dwellers.

LGA representatives are vice Chairperson Bassa LG, hon. Rebecca Kpanachi, Omala LG, hon. Eleojo Faruna, PA to Idaho LG, hon. Yunusa Aishat, Dekina LG, hon. Anna Alhassan, Ofu LG, hon. Paulina James, Ankpa LG, Hajia Mariam Ibrahim, Ibaji LG, hon. Anthonia Obidigwe.

Others are, trade unions, artisans, persons living with disabilities amongst others.