By Egufe Yafugborhi

Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated committees on the administration/disbursement of civil servants revolving loan scheme and the Rivers State N200 million Monthly Traders and Young Entrepreneurs Interest Free Loan Scheme.

The governor inaugurated the two committees, yesterday at  Government House, Port  Harcourt.

Inaugurating the committees, Governor Wike said that the committees were vital because they revolve around the empowerment of Rivers  people.

He said that the civil servants revolving loan scheme was initiated by the Peter Odili administration, but neglected by the immediate past administration.

He said his administration was reintroducing it because of the need to reach indigent civil servants.  The governor noted that the loan scheme is dedicated to civil servants between grade levels 1 and 13.

“This loan scheme is to reduce the burden of civil servants between levels 1 and 13. All those qualified should be granted.  It is a loan for all civil servants, irrespective of their political affiliation. Civil servants must not abuse the loan scheme,” he said.

This government means well for civil servants.  We have no problem with labour. No person can apply twice.”

He informed that N100m monthly  will be made available to the committee for disbursement, as he  directed the committee to start work immediately.

On the   N200million Monthly Traders and Young Entrepreneurs Interest Free Loan Scheme, Governor Wike, “We believe that we have to encourage young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.  They will have access to funds.”

The governor directed that the loan beneficiaries must reside in Rivers State and must be registered as voters in the state.

He charged the committee to advertise the availability of the loan and the modalities for accessing the loan.

Responding on behalf of the Committees, Head of Service, Mr Reuben Godwins assured the Rivers State Governor that they will deliver on their mandates.

He thanked the Rivers State governor for his commitment to the welfare of Rivers people.