The Oyo State Government has said it is taking decisive steps to ensure it has an updated data of entrepreneurs in all Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
OYO NEWS reports that the data is being collected by the Ministry of Trades, Investment and Cooperatives, in conjunction with relevant Agencies.
The Commissioner for Trades, Investment and Cooperatives, Mr. Ademola Ojo said this on Monday, at a gathering of Ibadan Entrepreneurs Network, in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.
Ojo said that the aim was to mainstream the list into the State’s Investment Programmes, with a view to strengthening the economy of the state.
Ademola Ojo, who conveyed Governor Seyi Makinde’s move to support businesses in the State, said a N500 million loan has been earmarked for small scale businesses, as loan.
He also mentioned that the federal government, through some assigned agencies, collaborate with the State Government to help provide funds in various forms to assist start-up businesses to gain their ground in the entrepreneurship space.
Mr. Ojo said the government has the role in ensuring a sustainable environment for business owners, which can not be overemphasized.
He therefore added that entrepreneurs are the backbone of the State’s economy, adding that registering with the State is not only about taxation.
Mr. Ojo said ample opportunities abound, which entrepreneurs could take advantage of, if properly recognised by the Oyo State Government.
According to him, the ministry will continue to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in providing a non-kinetic approach to improving the state’s economy.
He commended the convener of the event for her efforts in strengthening the bond among Ibadan Entrepreneurs.
“The Oyo State Government is updating its database of all entrepreneurs in the 33 local government areas. Let me appeal to you to register with the Oyo State Government, so that when opportunities of funding come, your business will be duly recognised,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the convener, Ibadan Entrepreneurs Network, IEN, Mrs. Oyenike Adeleke said the programme was organized for synergy and networking among entrepreneurs in the State.
She said entrepreneurs in the state need to work together, besring in mind thst they are the drivers of the economy.
According to Oyenike Adeleke, the sixth edition of the Ibadan Entrepreneurs Network, was held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba to accommodate the large crowd of entrepreneurs from all sectors of the economy.