Rotary empowers small business owners, supports public schools

No fewer than 10 small scale business owners were on Friday empowered after they were given N50,000 credit facility each, by the Rotary Club of Omole Golden to improve their businesses.

It was the second tranche of an interest free micro-credit scheme established by the club to assist young Nigerians boost their business and it is coming after the first set of 10 beneficiaries had obtained the loan earlier in September.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, the club's President Mr Idowu Afelogun said the intervention fund which has grown over the years, was meant to give small businessmen suffering from cash flow crisis a new lease of life.

 "We found out that so many young persons have had their dreams cut short as a result of lack of funds. So many others who could afford to start their businesses do not have the capital to move their business forward. That is why we decided to set up a micro-credit scheme to assist anyone in business," the club's President said.

Afelogun said the club also engaged in vocational and skill acquisition training and some of its graduates have also benefited from the scheme.

He said each of the beneficiaries are expected to pay back the credit facility in six months, adding that facility is open to all beneficiaries who faithfully repaid their facility.

Club of Omole-Golden under District 9110, Nigeria recently distributed School bags to over 300 pupils of Iju Station Primary School 2.

The initiative according to Afelogun 'is a continuation of the Club's investment on eradication of illiteracy and supporting Public School Pupils in their quest for qualitative Education.

He informed the guests at the event that the club also handed over a block of classrooms rehabilitated with Club members' contribution to Ajuwon High School on Friday 8th April, 2016.

The club also de-wormed over 400 pupils of the school as part of the intervention to ensure good health status of the pupils. The president also mentioned other intervention of the club within the community which includes provision of micro-credit facilities to 20 entrepreneurs and support for Polio eradication.