The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr John Kayode Fayemi has been lauded for striking a relationship with Sterling Bank which enables low-level tourism entrepreneurs to access low-interest credit facility.
Chief Ayodele Jacobs, President Ekiti State Artists Association made this commendation at the Conference Hall, Ekiti State Governor’s office yesterday where the first batch of 90 beneficiaries of the Sterling Bank Tourism Fund Initiative has their accounts credited with the various sum according to their needs.
Chief Ayodele said “I must particularly commend Governor Kayode Fayemi for his interest in raising the entrepreneurial status of the members of the lower cadre entrepreneurs in this state, particularly in the tourism sector. I have been in the arts and craft business for many years, this is the first time in my life that this kind of access to a credit facility with low interest would be deliberately facilitated  by a Governor, not for the big players in the tourism economy but people like us, the artisans, the food sellers, the beer parlour operators, orange vendors, palm wine tappers and seller, adire and shoemakers.”
In the same vein, Chief Ayodele applauded Sterling for ‘Being faithful and truthful to their offer. When the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Tourism Development, DG, Job Creation and Special Assistant gathered us together here a month ago, we were doubtful of the sincerity of Sterling Bank. But Sterling bank has proved to be a reasonable and responsible credit institution which made the process of obtaining the facility almost seamless unlike other banks which you have to pass through the eye of a needle and in the end; you end up not having the facility.”
Madam Bisi Aladeloye, a beer parlour operator said “My mind prays for Governor Kayode Fayemi for the provision of this platform where I can have access to a credit facility with a low-interest rate. It has saved me from the shylock’s money lenders whose interest rates ordinarily cause my blood pressure to rise abnormally. This is a saving grace for my business. A lifeline of grace which I will not only guard jealousy but paid back promptly for me to be able to have access to more fund.”
Mrs Olasunbo Samuel, a bukateria operator said “The beautiful part of the story is that we all know that is not a grant. It is a loan that we must work hard to pay back with interest. However, the beauty in the arrangement of this loan structure is that you can have access to more fund and roll it over and over  to create wealth.”
The representatives of Sterling Bank, Temitope Coker and Akin Oladipupo urged the beneficiaries to be committed to their business and run away from engaging in social frivolities which may scoop away from their loans unprofitable ventures.
They disclosed that the bank targets 2000 tourism entrepreneurs to benefit from the scheme “it is our vision and mission of Sterling bank to ensure that over 2000 tourism entrepreneurs in Ekiti are on board of this scheme. What we have now is the first batch. The second batch is being processed and we shall soon gatherer here again to rub minds like we are doing now.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ekiti State on Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre revealed that Dr Kayode Fayemi has a lot in his pouch for the tourism sector particularly the financial buoyancy of the stakeholders and practitioners.
He commended Sterling Bank for creating a fund window for tourism and engaging dedicated and diligent officials like Shina Atilola and Abiola Adelana, the lady who tends the tourism desk of the bank.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre thanked Mr Lanre Ogunjobi, DG, Employment, Labour and Productivity and Mr Oroya Aladeloye, Special Assistant, Informal Sector for their positive and purposeful collaborating on this scheme.
