By Mike Adeyemi
The Kwara State Wood Turners Association has cried out over epileptic power supply that is affecting business of members in the state in recent time.
The association also bemoaned the hike in price of diesel, which has consequently pushed up the cost of production.
The state chairman of the association, Abdulazeez Ayoola, during a chat with Pilot Business in his office, on Saturday, said many members have been pushed out of business as a result of the challenges.
“Some of our members particularly those at Odo-Okun, are operating at a loss because they have to rely on diesel for their operation owing to epileptic power supply.
“In recent time, the price of diesel has increased and this has increased running cosr of our business,” he added.
The chairman, therefore, appealed to the Kwara State government to save the situation in other to keep members in business.
“We are appealing to the state government to provide us with soft loan in order to expand our businesses.”
He noted that wood turners have contributed to the economic development of the state through tax payment and job creation.
“At present, we have over 3,000 members in Kwara and everyone is an employer of labour. Wood turners contribute to the economy through prompt tax payment. Also, each member pay N5,000 for licence renewal per year,” he further said.
Ayoola commended the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for providing enabling business environment in the state, just as he solicited his assistance for the association .
“Lately , the Senate President assisted some traders in Ilorin with fund to boost their businesses. This act of magnanimity should also be extended to us, the wood turner at Odo Okun, Ilorin.”
