We’ll promote growth of SMEs, new LG boss pledges

Mr Kolawole Ajadi, the Caretaker Chairman of Oke’badan Local Council Development Area, says the policy thrust of his administration will focus on promoting the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

He spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday shortly after he paid homage to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, at his Popoyemoja palace.

NAN reports that Ajadi, a traditional chief (Mogaji) in Ibadan, is the pioneer caretaker chairman of the newly created Oke’badan LCDA with headquarters at Eleyele in the Oyo State capital.

Ajadi said that the present economic challenges in Nigeria required encouragement of SMEs to attain the status of a producer nation.

“We are poised to develop the growth of SMEs in the council area, particularly on products where the council has comparative advantage."

“Our aim is to leverage on the advantage to generate revenue for the council and the state at large. We have to think out of the box to empower our people and generate revenue."

“We must look at ways of partnering our community leaders, likewise our young and promising ones to develop the council and attract investment, “ he said.

He stated that his administration would operate an open-door policy where the people would have input in governance.

Ajadi, who also toured the major markets in the area, expressed satisfaction at the level of cleanliness and compliance with environmental regulations.

The council boss, while expressing gratitude to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for the appointment, promised to replicate the administration’s transformation and restoration agenda in the council area.