Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi yesterday approved the sum of N50 million as interest-free loans to butchers in the state. The governor while speaking at the inauguration of the state secretariat of the Butchers’ Union located at Moniya in Ibadan, said the loan would boost business activities of the butchers.

The governor's Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo in a statement in Ibadan on Tuesday, he urged them to make good use of the money and ensure it was repaid on time for others to benefit. It would be recalled that a grant of N20 million had last week been given to traders at the Scout Camp Business Complex at Challenge, Ibadan by the governor as part of the empowerment programme of his administration for small and medium scale entrepreneurs.

The state government had set aside the sum of N1 billion as interest-free grant to traders in the state. Ajimobi stressed his administration’s belief in small and medium entrepreneurs as the bedrock of any economy, adding that supporting the butchers would also contribute more to the economic growth of the state.

He enjoined members of the union to maintain clean environment while carrying on their business activities, in line with the urban renewal programme of the state government.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the state chapter of the union, Alhaji Adekunle Alagunfon, lauded Governor Ajimobi’s administration for providing a conducive environment for members of the union to operate. He described the provision of loan to members of the union as highly commendable, pledging that his members would ensure judicious use of the money.

The National President of the union, Mr. John Osamede, in his address, presented by his Media Assistant, Mr. Festus Alekeh, commended the unprecedented achievements of Governor Ajimobi, stressing that he had recorded great successes in the area of infrastructural development.

He pledged the unflinching support of members of the union towards the re-election bid of the governor for a second term in office. ``Let me quickly place on record the laudable achievements of the governor. Your record and successes in areas of infrastructural development will forever remain indelible in the history of Oyo State. ``The governor has touched on virtually every sector of the economy. I can feel the pulse of the people of Oyo State and the joy in their hearts. This is why the national leadership of the union has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Governor.  We wish to publicly endorse the governor for a second term in office.

``I hereby call on all butchers and other like-minded people in the state to support Senator Ajimobi in realizing his second term bid,’’ he stated.