Determined to cushion the effects of the prevailing cash crunch being experienced in the country, Ogun State Government has partnered with a commercial bank, Providus Bank, to give out soft loans, grants, and free Point of Sale (PoS) machines, among other incentives to the people.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while speaking in an interactive session with stakeholders in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), tagged: Ogun State SME Engagement Programme in Abeokuta, said the welfare of the people was paramount to the present administration.

 Represented by the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, Prince Abiodun, appreciated the management of the bank for the timely gesture towards alleviating the suffering of the people, noting that the intervention would go a long way to save small-scale businesses.

The Governor enjoined all traders, artisans and business owners to key into the programme, describing it as free, safe, and reliable.

On her part, the Divisional Head of Providus Bank, Mrs. Bose Ogundimu, lauded the State government for the warm reception and for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying the Bank has come to stay in Ogun with the mission to support and offer solutions to the growth and survival of SMEs in the State.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Felicia Olujobi, commended the collaborative efforts of the State government and the Bank for the timely relief programme.