First Focus Magazine

Mrs Lawal Agitates For Interest-Free Loans For Traders

The President, Iya Egbe Oni-Ponmo of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Abeni Lawal Lawrence, has stressed the need for the Ogun State Government to provide interest-free loans for traders in the state.

Speaking during an interview after a meeting which involved critical stakeholders in the Ponmo industry at Ijebu-Igbo, the industrial capital for Ponmo producers in Nigeria, Mrs. Lawal was of the opinion that the State Government needs to provide the necessary support for the Ponmo industry as it is capable of reducing unemployment in the country. She maintained that the industry has productively engaged over two million people in the production circle, distribution and sales to the public which has gone a long way to reduce poverty.

She, however, commended the Governor for his developmental strides in the state in the past seven years through the provision of basic amenities in the area of road reconstruction among other amenities.

She enjoined the governor to show more interest towards improving the welfare of women and assisting them with a revolving loan which will be used to expand their production capacity.

Chief (Mrs.) Lawal also commended the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo for his fatherly role towards ensuring that there is peace in the association while the members of the Ponmo industry speak with one voice, praying that he may reign with good health and sound mind.

Other requests she made from the state government include a land allocation for the construction of a secretariat for the association including office accommodation.

She enumerated the significance of the association pointing out that if the government could give necessary support the industry has the capacity to employ over a million youth as they will be able to earn a living.

She pledged to the entire members of the association that she will continue to protect their interest and also introduce innovations and programs that will position the industry on the global map.