By Mike Adeyemi
As 2019 begins, residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital have opened up on their expectations from the government to better their economic wellbeing.
A trader, Mallam Yusuf Ajadi, who noted that money was scarce in the past year, expresed hope that there will more cash flow as the general election approaches.
“With the electioneering around, I expect there will be more money in circulation and this will boost economic activities in the state.
“Though, this will also come with inflation as prices of commodities could go up owing to increase in demand. Having said this, I think businesses will thrive well in Kwara this year, ” he explained.
A teacher, Mrs. Limota Yahaya, said with expectation that the new minimum wage would soon be implemented, economic wellbeing of many Kwarans will be better.
“With increment in salaries, the purchasing power of an average worker and Kwaran will increase, which invariably means turnover for traders.
“Also, businesses would be expanded which again will require more hands, and more jobs will be created as a result of that “she added.
A farmer, Mallam Ladi Ibrahim, said, economic activities will be boosted if the problem of terrorism is eliminated in the North East.
“Most agricultural produces come from the north, and the supply of these products in the recent time has reduced because of activities of insurgents in that region.
He said if this and other economic challenges are addressed, it will go a long way to boost the state economy.
For, a Banker, Mrs. Jumoke Ayilara, the economy can receive a boost if the state government fine tune its policy on Small and Medium scale Enterprises.
“Most traders and investors find it hard to access loan from commercial banks owing to the bottlenecks and stringent demand for collateral.
A businessman, Dr. Bayo Salawu, called on the state government to pay attention to the informal sector of the economy.
“The informal sector of Kwara economy is relatively about 80 per cent. If handouts and soft loan can be pumped into the sector, unemployment will be abated.”
Mr. Shola Animasaun, a farmer said, “if infrastructural development of Kwara State can be improved upon by the government, the economy will improve.
“Road networks, electricity supply and other social services are indices through which business thrive. If all these are improved upon, Kwara will become business hub of the North Central,” he stressed.
An Economist, Chief Richard Ajayi, an economist, said the state government should give incentives to infant industries for their growth and expansion.
