292 MSMEs in Ekiti get access to Sterling Bank’s tourism devt loan

About 292 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ekiti State have benefited from the Sterling Bank Tourism Development Fund.

The beneficiaries were part of the 2000 entrepreneurs listed for empowerment through financing, capacity development programmes and digital marketing support for the accelerated development of the tourism value chain in Ekiti communities.

Addressing the beneficiaries in Ado Ekiti, Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Ekiti State, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare.

said that his Ministry was established in 2019 to harness Ekiti’s rich tourism resources. These resources include Ikogosi Warm and Cold Spring Resort, Efon Alaaye Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro Waterfall, Oriole and Olosunta Hills, Ero Dam and Lake, recreational parks, natural sceneries, cultural festivals, historical relics, and monuments.

“We partnered with Sterling Bank Plc to properly harness these tourism resources for economic regeneration, wealth creation, and the generation of employment opportunities across our communities by eliminating the funding barriers limiting our tourism entrepreneurs.

“Beyond infrastructure development, we are aware that only financially included tourism operators can deliver services that would meet the expectation of tourists. We are glad that more tourism entrepreneurs are accessing funding to improve their business. I urge all beneficiaries of the Sterling Tourism Development Fund to make productive use of it,” Professor Bakare advised.

Divisional Head Retail and Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr Shina Atilola, commended the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, for the opportunity to partner with the Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to eradicate poverty and encourage entrepreneurship among indigenes of the State.

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