Yobe Traders Seeks Soft Loans, Improved Trading Environment

The trading and business community in Yobe State has called on the state government to support the local economy through financial assistance and incentives for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to boost commerce and attract more visitors to the state. The Chairman of the United Marketers Association, Potiskum (UMAPO), Alhaji Umar Usman Jibrin, made the […]

The trading and business community in Yobe State has called on the state government to support the local economy through financial assistance and incentives for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to boost commerce and attract more visitors to the state.

The Chairman of the United Marketers Association, Potiskum (UMAPO), Alhaji Umar Usman Jibrin, made the appeal shortly after his inauguration, alongside members of his executive council.

He said the call had become necessary as many traders and business owners were struggling to meet their family needs due to limited capital.

Alhaji Jibrin noted that such interventions would enhance financial inclusion for market women, traders, and artisans, enabling them to expand existing businesses rather than focusing solely on startups.

He added that strong government support through soft loans and improved access to finance would foster economic growth and resilience in a state grappling with Boko Haram insurgency.

He also called for the reconstruction of the fence wall at the NPN market, as well as the development of standard markets for rice and fruit sellers.

According to him, the demand for better infrastructure in the three markets follows reports of challenges in existing facilities, including security concerns and inadequate amenities in traditional markets.

The UMAPO Chairman assured members of his commitment to work closely with the Yobe State Government to reposition the association for growth and development.

He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation, noting that his administration would prioritize inclusive leadership and sustainable progress for all members.

His remarks come on the heels of the official re-endorsement of the new UMAPO executive committee by the Yobe State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social and Community Development, following the resolution of a prolonged leadership crisis.

The state government, through the association’s Board of Trustees and Patron, endorsed the decision of the UMAPO Committee of Elders, which resolved the dispute between two factions through a consensus approach.

The government subsequently recognized the newly constituted leadership as the legitimate representatives of the association.

The endorsed executive committee includes: Umar Usman Jibrin (Chairman), Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar (Secretary), Adamu Suleiman Duniya (Vice Chairman), Haruna Idriss (Na Faransa) (Treasurer), Muhammad Ali (Doctor) (Welfare Secretary), Abdulmuminu Muhammad (Organising Secretary), Said Muhammad Ali (Financial Secretary), Yusuf Haruna Abba (Auditor), Alhaji Dahiru Isah (Assistant Secretary), and Ashiru Muhammad Inuwa (Public Relations Officer).

The Ministry has directed that the new leadership will serve a four-year tenure and urged them to promote unity, transparency, and effective administration within the association.