Edo Governorship Aspirant Pledges Interest-Free Loans to Traders

In a move to attract the support of traders in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to provide interest-free loans to traders if voted into power on September 21.

Okpebholo made the pledge while addressing traders at the New Building Materials Sellers Association on Cook Road in Benin City. The promise is part of his campaign promises aimed at boosting the economy of the state.

"Traders are very important in the development of the economy because of the kind of businesses they do. Any money invested in traders is not lost. So, I will fulfill my promise of giving interest-free loans immediately after I become the governor," Okpebholo said.

The APC candidate also promised to help the traders build their secretariat on a plot of land donated to them by the late Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa II.

"I am coming to work for the Edo people and not to mismanage their funds. Vote APC on September 21 and you will benefit from the programme we have lined up for the residents of the state," he added.

Matthew Urhoghide, Director General of the APC Campaign Council, had earlier told the traders that he brought Okpebholo to talk to them about his plans and also hear their demands.

Nonso Ibeh, President of the traders’ association, assured that the outcome of the visit would not be different, as Okpebholo had already promised to help them build their secretariat.

In his campaign speech, Okpebholo urged residents of Idumu Ewase Community on Isihuhe Street, off Mission Road, Benin, to vote for the APC and not to support the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He claimed that the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, would behave like his godfather, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

"Vote for the APC on September 21, and I will make sure I deliver dividends of democracy," Okpebholo said.