119 people benefit from Anchor Borrowers scheme in Akwa Ibom
No fewer than 119 people have benefited from the first batch of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) sponsored anchor borrowers programme, poultry component in Akwa Ibom State.
The head of development finance of CBN, Uyo office, Mr Okoidegun Emmanuel announced this in Uyo on Tuesday during the official launching of the programme and disbursement of a day old chicks and starter packs to all the 119 persons who benefited from the first batch of the programme in the state.
The flag off of the programme which powered by prospects micro finance bank and amo byng Nigeria limited, took place at the new phase of agriculture limited office, along Godswill Akpabio stadium road in Uyo.
Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Mr Emmanuel congratulated the farmers who benefited from the first batch of the scheme, adding that the programme will boost their poultry business and better their lives in the nearest future.
He said, “if farmers take this programme serious, they will turn to millionaires in years to come, that is why i urged everyone of you who have benefited from this scheme to be committed in your farming business, so that you can become a role model to the next set of people that will benefit from this programme”.
He explained that, why the programme took a very long time to kick off in the state was due to some issues from groups and individuals who never believed that the programme will come to a reality.
He advised them to take the federal government initiative seriously, so as to better their lives in the nearest future.
According to him, “Anybody that does not take the programme serious, will be replaced in subsequent batches, because we are not here to attain to excuses, but to boost agricultural production and provide foods on the table of all Nigerians”.
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The managing director of new phase of agriculture limited, the consultancy firm that coordinates the scheme in the state, Atuekong Austin Ndaeyo said that Akwa Ibom is the first state in the South South region of the country that have benefited from the programme, and commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for their efforts in alleviating poverty and hunger.
Ndaeyo said, “Let me remind you that this Programme is a financial inclusion scheme rolled out by Federal Government and also sponsored by other State governments in to help farmers to grow, unlike in Akwa Ibom where everything is being attached to politics, which has contributed to the delay of the disbursement of the programme here”.
Mr Anietie Ibanga, who is one of the beneficiaries described the initiative from the central bank as a very big relieve to the poultry farmers in the state, who have been struggling with their businesses because of start up capital over the years.
He said with the launched of the programme in the state, it will boost food production and improve economy of the state, while the rate of poverty will be ameliorated.
By Bassey Willie
