Written By Princely Onyenwe
It is another breaking news to Imolites that Chief Charles Akuatuegwu Orie has promised an achievable policy plan to boost the agro sector and small- scale businesses through easy accessibility of loans.
At a proper execution of this singular policy template in the state , the Charles Orie’s agro economic and small scale business plan will automatically provide needed enabling environment that will guarantee massive employment, sufficient local production, increase in the state internally generated revenue IGR and possible exportation targets of Imo products to nearby countries.
A credit guarantee scheme for small-scale businesses and Farmers in Imo State therefore , is a financial initiative aimed at empowering entrepreneurs by providing access to affordable loans with reduced risk for lenders.
Objective: The primary goal is to tackle challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing finance and managing operational costs.
The Scheme has key features like loan amount, interest rate, moratorium, repayment period and target beneficiaries which are micro and small-scale business and Farmers in Imo State, with a view on promoting economic recovery and job creation.
There will be partnership collaboration and guarantee cover for every small business scale owner and agro farms powered by Imo likable hopeful Charles Orie.
Small businesses and farmers in Imo State often face a major roadblock: getting loans to grow. Banks frequently turn them away, asking for collateral that many do not have or viewing their businesses as too risky.
In fact, around 80% of these entrepreneurs can’t access formal credit, which limits their ability to expand and create jobs.
Chief Charles Orie, a candidate for Imo’s 2027 governorship election, has marshalled a bold plan to change this and spark economic growth across the state.
Orie’s solution is a Credit Guarantee Scheme designed to make loans more accessible.
Instead of the government lending money directly, it will act as a guarantor, promising to cover part of the loan if a borrower can’t repay due to unexpected challenges.
This reduces the risk for banks, encouraging them to approve loans for farmers, traders, artisans, and small manufacturers who have solid business ideas but lack the assets banks usually demand.
“Under my leadership, viable businesses will get support, not rejection,” Orie said. “This will create jobs and grow Imo’s economy.”
By unlocking access to credit, Orie’s plan aims to empower thousands of entrepreneurs who are currently left out of the financial system. Farmers could buy better seeds or equipment, boosting food production.
Small manufacturers could expand their workshops, hiring more workers. Traders and artisans could stock more goods or improve their services, contributing to local development.
Chief Orie said that more lending means more business activity, which leads to more jobs, higher incomes, and a stronger economy for Imo State. Orie’s focus on financial inclusion ensures that even the smallest businesses get a fair shot at success.
By making loans easier to access, Orie affirmed that Imo can build a thriving economy where entrepreneurs drive growth and prosperity.
With this forward-thinking policy, Orie is setting the stage for a brighter economic future for the state.
Princely Onyenwe writes from Owerri, Imo State
