Over 14,000 Osun Farmers Benefits From N2.4bn CBN Loans

The Central Bank of Nigeria said it has guaranteed at least N2.4 billion naira loans for thousands of local farmers in Osun State.

The Osogbo branch of the apex bank in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, March 24, said farmers have been receiving huge support from the bank, assuring that the bank would continue to encourage farmers who exhibit good agronomic practices in the state.

Naija News reports that the CBN Osogbo Branch Controller, Mrs Ajuma Madojemu who spoke on the development during an award ceremony for the best farmer for the year 2020 under the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund organised by the bank, said the Osogbo branch of the apex bank had commenced the operation since the year 2008.

Her statement reads: “It is also pertinent to mention that CBN Osogbo Branch has since its inception in 2008 guaranteed loans in excess of ₦2,427,919.000 for over 14,726 farmers in Osun State.

“In order to boost farmers’ interest in the scheme and drive awareness, the Central Bank of Nigeria reintroduced the Best Farmers’ Award which was last held in 2012.

“The objective of today’s ceremony therefore is not just to celebrate the awardees but to encourage farmers in the state to get involved in the programme.”

In his goodwill remark during the event, Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Adedayo Adewole, represented by Dr Bose Olatokun, commended the bank for supporting the farmers.

Naija News understands that the bank during the event, awarded, the best farmer of the year award to one Mr Bamidele Oluwole, a fish farmer.

The farmer was as well rewarded with a sum of N100, 000, while Sheba Adebimpe, who got N75, 000 and Aderinoye Ademola, who got N50, 000 emerged first and second runners up respectively.

In another news, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has ordered all bank workers to declare their assets latest June 1, 2021.

Naija News reports that the newly appointed EFCC boss gave the directive while speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, March 16.