By Matthew Denis
The Enterprise Grooming Institute (EGI) has trained no fewer than 200
business owners in Kwara and other neighbouring states of the
federation on how to access Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) soft loans
on Agribusiness Small Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS).
The training was in batches and participants are certified after five
days of intensive training.
Speaking during an interview, the proprietor of the Institute, Prince
Ayo Tajudeen Ajisifini Tajudeen said the Federal Government is
boosting Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) sector of the
economy through CBN intervention with AGSMEIS
He said, “The scheme has the following terms, 5% interest rate,
maximum of seven years tenure, repayment after 18months among others.”
According to him, attendance of enterprise development training at
any accredited CBN Enterprise Development institute (EDI), is one of
the prerequisite to access the loan from the apex bank.
Ajisifini explained that the certificate from EDI is the first
requirement followed by a bankable business plan among others
criteria.
He revealed that they have trained more than 200 business owners since
the institute was accredited by CBN as one of the training institutes
in Kwara State.
The proprietor stated that so far only one participant from Kogi
State has benefited the loan from CBN, noting that the the challenge
faced by people in the state is due to non availability of Entreprise
Microfinance Bank in Kwara.
“I want to advise our participants that if CBN hasn’t invited them for
interview, they shouldn’t be disturbed because the apex bank has its
own procedures and they will surely be invited. Ours is to conduct the
training and submit the report to CBN.
He called on MSME operators to take advantage of the opportunity by
partaking in the scheme, adding that the terms is very convenient
for entrepreneurs.
Also speaking earlier with this medium, one of the Lecturer, Nasir
AbdulQuadri said, “The programme is targeted at exposing Nigerians to
become self reliant economically as the CBN is playing a vital role
through loans provision.
“It is believed that before you can be given any fund you should have
the right knowledge about creativity, expansion and the right thinking
about funds management.
” This, no doubt, will assist in preparing young people and existing
business men and women to treat business as business. Because this
seminar will change their mentality and open them to new business
paradigms.”
