By Martha Agas, JOS
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it has commenced the disbursement of loans to 100 micro-enterprises in Plateau state.
The disbursement is under its Small-Scale Enterprises (SSE) department for beneficiaries of ‘Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) and ‘Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme’ (MEES) programmes.
Speaking at the distribution event, the Acting State Coordinator of NDE in Plateau, Mrs. Asabe Lassa, said that the organization introduced the orientation/training module to the disbursement following misconception of the loan as a grant.
“Most beneficiaries of the disbursement are not aware that the loans are supposed to be paid,” she said.
She said that the beneficiaries would be trained in financial management, discipline, and integrity before they were presented with the loans.
She said that the loan scheme was approved following the high rate of unemployment in the country and also to eradicate poverty.
She urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the efforts of the government by using the loan judiciously and complying with repayment arrangements to enable others to also benefit from the scheme.
“Use the loans and let it grow for the benefit of yourself, your business or livelihood, and the benefit of your family.
“Do not collect the money and solve family problems,” she said.
In a remark, the Head of Department, SSE, Mr. Victor Otukpa, said that the training would build the capacity of business owners on managing their enterprises efficiently.
He urged the beneficiaries to seek assistance when confronted with challenges in their businesses either with consultants or officials of NDE.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anna Hosea, thanked NDE for the loan, while assuring them that they would make judicious use of it and pay as at when due.
The 100 beneficiaries of MEES would be given ₦20,000 each while the three beneficiaries of SYOP would be given ₦500,000 each.
NAN reports that the beneficiaries will be trained in financial management which comprises costing goods, services and record keeping, financial integrity, and insurance.
