The Ondo State Government has reiterated its determination to provide a conducive environment and support small-scale business owners in the state for economic growth.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Olayato Aribo, made this known while hosting the Ilaje Crayfish Women Association in his office in Akure.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, stated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will leave no stone unturned in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and providing them with all necessary support.

In a press statement from the office of the Head of Publicity and Media Relations of the Ministry, Mr. Sola Omoboyowa, Aribo applauded the contributions of the women to economic growth through their commercial activities by making seafood available in the market, thereby contributing their quota to growth.

The Commissioner assured them that the government would assist them in expanding the scope of their trade and adding value to their business.

Speaking on behalf of the seafood businesswomen, Mrs. Olanireti Oguntibeju solicited assistance from the state government through the Department of Fisheries of the Ministry to make their trade easier by providing support in terms of logistics, as the cost of hiring fishing materials is expensive.

The traders were led to the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry by the SSA to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Mr. Orioye Gbaisemore.

Also in attendance were the Director of Fisheries, Mrs. Iyabo Olaleye, the Director of Animal Husbandry, Mr. Ojo, and the State Project Coordinator L-PRESS, Mr. Olufemi Adeogun.