Ekiti State gov­ernment has earmarked N20 million as soft loans for artisans in the state, just as it declared August 6 as Artisans’ Day in the state to ap­preciate their contribu­tions to the develop­ment of the state.
Also, the state govern­ment will soon set up a board to promote the ac­tivities of artisans in various fields and incorporate them into the developmental plan of the state.
Governor Ayo Fayose stated this during a meeting he had with artisans in Ado- Ekiti.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the role of artisans could not be over-empha­sised.
Fayose said the initial seed money for the soft loans would be N10 million and that the remaining sum would be added later.
He added that each arti­san would be entitled to a maximum of N50,000 and that they would be given two weeks grace before they start repaying N1000 weekly.
The President of Ekiti Ar­tisans, Mr J.O. Adu, praised Fayose for his support for the members and requested further assistance.
This came in the wake of a commendation by the or­ganised labour in Ekiti State, which appreciated Gover­nor Fayose for his love for workers in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the Nigeria La­bour Congress Secretary, Com Olayemi Oluropo, Trade Union Congress Secretary, Com Adebayo Adebisi and Joint Negotiat­ing Council Secretary, Com Oladele Blessing, the organ­ised labour commended the governor for bringing smiles to the faces of workers.