Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Wasiu Adesina, has promised to partner the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to roll out N30 million soft loans to farmers and traders in the state.

Mr Adesina made the promise during the commissioning of 1,642 metres two-side drainage construction at Ita-Elewa to Itunmoja, Ikorodu, on Monday.

The project is scheduled to be completed within six months.

He said the partnership would help to enhance food production, businesses and investments in the area.

The chairman added it would expand the scope of traders’ access to soft loans for economic growth and development.

He said, “We will work with the LSETF and banks to roll out the soft loans. Arrangement is in the pipeline. The money will be disbursed to farmers, market men and women to boost their trading. The bank will screen the eligible ones while repayment will start after three weeks with low interest which will be paid by the local government.’’

Mr Adesina said the loan would act as a stimulus package to support some enterprising youths and women in the Ikorodu community.

Speaking on the drainage construction, the council boss warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse for free flow of water.

He urged residents to construct standard toilets, adding that erring defaulters would be arrested.

Mr Adesina also highlighted some of his administration’s achievements in the second quarter and plans for the third quarter.

This, he said, includes training of 100 women in fashion designing and the construction of Solomade road, currently at 50 per cent completion.

He said the ongoing construction at Sanni Arowolo and Dada streets would boost the local economy of the community upon completion.

“My administration will move to construct Eleshin Street to show that the community is under Agura ward C in Ikorodu Local Government. We intend to improve the architecture of the ward which is also unique to us,” he said.

Also speaking, Alase of Itunmoja, Wasiu Akinsanya and the Iyalode of Ikorodu, Sonubi Folake and traditional leaders of the community commended the council chairman for bringing the dividends of democracy to their domain.

They appealed to youths and members of the community to cooperate with the contractor for seamless and timely delivery of the project.

The All Progressives Congress chieftains, traditional leaders, councillors representing the ward and council management staff were present at the event.

(NAN)