Informal sector, key driver of economic growth — Gov. Oyetola

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the informal sector as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation of every nation.

Oyetola said this during a meeting with members of the state's artisan workers union on Tuesday, in Osogbo.

The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said that the sector was one the largest employers of labour in the developing world generating income, providing important and unique skills development.

The governor said due to the sector's positive contributions to the economy of the state, his administration had made it a priority to see to its survival and sustainability.

Oyetola said that the state government would continue to provide a business-friendly environment for those in the sector, as part of efforts to reposition Osun's economy.

He said that his administration would continue to patronise them for economic development and viability.

The governor thanked members of the association for their support for his administration and urged them to vote for continuity in the forthcoming governorship election, to ensure economic stability, progress and development.

He urged them to get their Permanent voter cards and not to allow any inexperienced politician to deceive them.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the union, Mr Kareem Owolabi, commended the governor for his various programmes for the masses in the state.

Owolabi noted that members of the association were beneficiaries of the government's monthly food support scheme which had increased their output.

He also said that members of the association were the first to benefit from the Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) empowerment programme of the state government.

"The recently introduced Gbowoga initiative to empower artisans as well as SMEs has immensely benefited us.

"We were given about 1000 forms to be distributed to our members in all the local government areas in the state.

"We also benefited from the N30,000 empowerment programme by the state government.

"We are indeed grateful to the governor, and we promise our continued support for his administration," he said.