By Ibrahim Bello
Birnin Kebbi – The Kebbi Government has restructured 21 Micro Finance Banks in the state to enable farmers, women and youths easy access to credit facilities to develop the local economy.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Jelani, made the disclosure at a news briefing organised by the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.
He said the restructuring became necessary in view of dwindling finances of government and the need to improve the development of agriculture and other sectors in the state.
“We have restructured all the 21 micro finance banks to give credit to youths, especially our women.
“We are determined, at all cost, to eradicate poverty in all its ramifications,’’ he said.
Jelani also said the government would explore the abundant solid mineral resources in the state in order to increase its revenue base.
“We are also determined to improve the economic fortunes of the state in the next few years, and we are getting all the support from the state governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, and we will do it,’’ he assured.
The commissioner stressed that the administration would develop economic policies to reposition the state for greater development.
He called on the people to support the administration in its efforts move the state forward.