Yobe Traders Call for Financial Aid and Better Business Conditions

The trading community in Yobe State is advocating for government support aimed at improving the local economy through financial assistance and incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This initiative seeks to enhance commerce and attract more visitors to the region.

The Chairman of the United Marketers Association, Potiskum (UMAPO), Alhaji Umar Usman Jibrin, expressed this request right after his inauguration, along with members of his executive team.

He emphasized that this appeal is essential as many traders and business owners struggle to meet their family financial responsibilities due to insufficient capital.

Alhaji Jibrin pointed out that such government assistance would facilitate financial inclusion for market women, traders, and artisans, allowing them to focus on expanding their businesses rather than solely starting new ones.

He further stated that robust government backing, particularly in the form of soft loans and improved access to finance, could drive economic growth and resilience in the state, which has been facing challenges due to the Boko Haram insurgency.

Additionally, he called for the reconstruction of the fence wall at the NPN market and the development of specialized markets for rice and fruit sellers.

Jibrin added that the demand for improved infrastructure in three major markets arises from reports highlighting security issues and inadequate facilities in traditional markets.

The UMAPO Chairman reassured his members of his dedication to collaborating closely with the Yobe State Government to reposition the association for sustainable growth and development.

He highlighted the necessity of unity and collaboration, emphasizing that his leadership will focus on inclusivity and progress for all members of the association.

His statements follow the recent official re-endorsement of the new UMAPO executive committee by the Yobe State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social and Community Development, resolving a long-standing leadership conflict.

The state government, through the association’s Board of Trustees and Patron, has recognized the consensus-based resolution achieved by the UMAPO Committee of Elders, which addressed disputes between rival factions.

Consequently, the newly formed leadership has been acknowledged as the legitimate representatives of the association.

The approved executive committee consists of: 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 mandated the new leadership to serve a four-year term while encouraging them to foster unity, transparency, and effective governance within the association.