Commercial motorists who are indigenes of the State of Osun, but live in Abuja, have begun to benefit from the empowerment scheme of the state government, as the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, presented 40 brand new cars to them for their commercial use.
The Federal Government had, last year, ordered that all rickety cabs on the streets of Abuja should be taken off the streets, but subsequent findings showed that 80 per cent of the affected drivers were Osun indigenes; hence, the state government saw the need to come to their aid, in order not to create another burden on the state.
The brand new Nissan Sunny Cars were purchased for the motorists on loan in conjunction with Sterling Bank on a single zero-digit interest rate, which they would pay back in 36 months without hardship.
Launching the scheme, tagged: “O’Cab Scheme” in Osogbo, the state capital last Monday, Governor Aregbesola reiterated that the determination of his administration is to ensure the eradication of poverty among all indigenes of the state, wherever they might be.
He stated that similar offer has been introduced to commercial motorists living within the state, but they have not responded, noting that whoever is interested in benefitting from the scheme should show up and fulfill the necessary requirements.
The governor then cautioned the beneficiaries not to see the opportunity as an avenue for them to be wayward, saying that whoever uses the vehicle appropriately would never regret, rather, they would be happier for it.
He re-echoed that whoever needs the assistance of the state government in their businesses should gather themselves into cooperative groups, while promising that his administration would help them talk to the bank that would assist them financially through loans without creating heavy burden on them.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Federal Matters, Mrs. Idiat Babalola, lauded Governor Aregbesola for always showing interest in anything that would empower the indigenes of the state.
She was full of praises that the project eventually became a reality, unlike past experiences when similar programmes turned out to be deceits.
Babalola then cautioned the beneficiaries not to allow the opportunity to get on their heads and begin living wayward lifestyles, so that the purpose of the scheme would not be defeated.
........OSUN DEFENDER
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