KNSG disburses N20m to cooperative societies
By ADAMU ABDULLAHI

THE sum of N20 million has been disbursed to about 300 cooperative societies in Kano state under the government’s Artisan Cooperative Loan Scheme.
Presenting the cheques during the third phase of the scheme to the beneficiaries at Sani Abacha Indoor Sports Hall yesterday, the state governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau explained that the move was part of the state government’s poverty alleviation drive.
Governor Shekarau stated that N40 million was distributed under the first and second phase of the programme explaining that about 10,000 people from 232 cooperative groups across the state have benefitted.
Malam Shekarau reiterated the commitment of his administration to boost small and medium scale enterprises in view of their importance to economic development.
The governor appealed to the beneficiaries to make good use of the loan and to pay back as scheduled to enable the loans revolve, pointing out that their success depended on determination, coordination and planning.
On his part, the commissioner of commerce, industries and cooperatives, Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim Yakasai, said his ministry has organized workshops for about 1,400 cooperative groups to keep them abreast on small scale entrepreneurship development.
He assured that the ministry would not relent in its effort to strengthen the capacities of cooperative groups in line with the government’s human development drive.
Awards were presented to individuals and groups that include Dala Orthopaedic Hospital Cooperative Society, PHCN Nassarawa District Cooperative Society and Alhaji Abdu Gaya for excelling in cooperative financial management and service delivery.