40,000 A’Ibom traders endorse Emmanuel for second term

At least 40,000 traders in Akwa Ibom state have reportedly endorsed Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom state, for a second term.

Emmanuel said this while commenting on efforts his administration had put in place to stimulate business growth in the state.

He said his government had approved the release of N2 billion as interest-free loans to Akwa Ibom traders to boost trade and commerce within the state.

“Interest rate in the country is high but we are making our scheme interest free to empower the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses for more outputs optimisation,” he said this when he hosted traders at government house, Uyo, last week.

“This is because if we charge these entrepreneurs interest rate on the loan, as they are into small scale businesses, the interest rate would automatically wipe out their profits, making it difficult for their businesses to thrive.

“One of my visions for Akwa Ibom state is wealth creation. Today, we have provided an atmosphere where businesses can thrive. I sincerely thank the traders for seeing the need to appreciate the interest-free loans.”

The traders promised to reciprocate the gesture by supporting and embarking on a unit by unit mobilisation for the governor’s second term bid.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Akparawa Raphael, special assistant to the governor on trade and market matters,  noted that the benefit of the interest-free loans to the traders could not be over-emphasised.

“It is because of your kind gesture towards the traders that we have come to say a very big thank you. We are also praying and we are hopeful that you will do even more in your second term,” he said.