Traders at the Bodija and Oje markets at the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, have urged the Federal Government to increase the disbursement of funds for the ongoing financial inclusion initiative.
The call is coming 32 days after about 27,000 traders in Gbagi International Market Ibadan, benefited from the Federal Government’s TraderMoni to grow their socio-economic activities across Nigeria.
Monsurat Ajadi, a pepper seller in Bodija Market, said the initiative was a laudable development, adding that her family had been praying that she was chosen among the latest beneficiaries.
Another beneficiary, Romoke Aweni said the amount, though small, but was capable of changing the fortunes of petty traders, just as she promised to make judicious use of it to better her trade.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while speaking at Oje Market, said the government remained committed to alleviate sufferings of the poor masses through the TraderMoni being implemented under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
Osinbajo said the government was sincere about empowering two million traders for the scheme, assuring that more traders would be captured nationwide.
He stressed that the policy of the Federal Government was to support businesses through the scheme, not just big businesses but particularly small, medium-sized and micro businesses.
He appealed to those yet to benefit to exercise patience, just as he charged those who had benefited so far to use it judiciously.
The scheme is being managed and financed by the Bank of Industry on behalf of the Federal Government.
