Governor Makinde Flags Off #1.5 Billion Interest-Free Loan to Empower Oyo Youth in Agribusiness
Oyo State Governor, engineer Seyi Makinde, has officially flagged off a landmark #1.5 billion interest-free loan scheme aimed at empowering young agripreneurs across the state.
The launch took place on Monday at the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, during the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme.
The initiative, coordinated by the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, under the leadership of Dr Debo Akande, targets 1,000 young entrepreneurs who have demonstrated a commitment to the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the flag off, governor Makinde said under his administration, OYSADA has already trained over 5,020 youths in modern agribusiness practices.
Recognizing that skills without capital often limit progress, the the governor said the state has partnered with a commercial bank and a Mastercard Foundation to provide government-backed financing for young entrepreneurs with active agricultural enterprises, and the grant is valued at #1.5 billion.
In his remarks, Director General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande said the selection of beneficiaries involved a rigorous and transparent process which included verification of active projects, site inspections, physical interviews, and financial screening by the commercial bank involved to ensure credibility.
