By Chijioke Njoku
In a bid to prepare the entire Ebonyi state for zero oil economy, the Governor Engr. David Umahi has reiterated that the CBN/ NIRSAL could only be accessed by interested individuals are currently farm owners in the state.
This is even as the state has, in conjunction with CBN /NIRSAL kicked off inter local government tour which started at Ezza south local government area .
Addressing beneficiary at the Ezza south local government headquarter, the deputy chief of staff, Government House, Abakaliki, and programme falicitator Dr. chief Okechukwu Nwakpu said the visit to the local government was aimed at checkmating individuals’ farms and the capacity of the farm.
“The state government is ready to release loan to any farmer who is likely to meet up with the required demand from state government”, he added.
He stressed the Governor’s readiness to support Ebonyians “especially those who are productive enough. That is why His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi, the Governor in collaboration with CBN/ NIRSAL has assured that those in livestock production will get their CBN Agric loan without delay.”
Continuing, he said: “we will not give loan to anyone who does not have existing farm, the capacity of your farm determine your loan which will be given a to you. We are in operation show your farm, if you are coming here without intention of showing us your farm, you are wasting your time. This is not a political money or a political loan which you will get without payment.
You cannot benefit this loan if you cannot show us your farm weather piggery, fishery, birds among others he said.
Speaking at the Ezza south local government, the caretaker Chairman, Hon Mrs Euphemia Nwali thanked the Governor of Ebonyi state Engr David Nwaezev Umahi for the initiative introduce to help young farmers .
She said: “with the help of this initiative, it will go a long way in promoting Agro business in Ebonyi and Nigeria at large.
Speaking with the newsmen, the commissioner for Education, Hon. Onyebuchi Chima who is also one the beneficiaries commanded Governor Umahi and the CBN independent body “for the wonderful program organized to boost the state economy and I urge all beneficiaries to use this opportunity very seriously” he said.