BY AMOS OGUNRINDE
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has again directed that cattle sellers in the state should be the sole suppliers of rams for coming Eid- el- Kabir festival.
This is part of his administration’s commitment to the local content policy aimed at empowering local businesses in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro announced the government’s position during a meeting with cattle sellers at the Adere cattle market in Ado Ekiti.
Dr Adubiaro said the directive was in line with the administration’s policy of patronizing local businesses, aimed at boosting the state’s economy through support for local entrepreneurs.
“We are here this morning as directed by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who believes that the re-engineering of the economic value of Ekiti should go round the people and that is why he said this year again, our people should be patronized, they should be the sole suppliers of the rams. That’s why he sent us here to tell you that you are the ones that would supply all the rams that will be given to our people, the Muslims in Ekiti for the Ileya festival”, she said.
Dr Adubiaro explained that all the rams that the state government intends to give out to Muslims in the state would be purchased and supplied locally.
Responding on behalf of the Cattle Sellers Association, Alhaji Alani Yakubu thanked Governor Oyebanji for patronizing them since coming on board about two years ago, expressing optimism about potential increase in sales during the ileya festival.
He believed that patronage from the government would not only provide a substantial boost for their business but also stimulate local economy and foster a supportive environment for small and medium enterprises.