7 Things To Do And Continue To Cope With Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 lockdown lasted for about 3 to 4 months in most places depending on which part of the world you are, it is still partially on and being eased now some parts, unfortunately there are upsurge of cases again, but the first vaccines showed immune response improvements, therefore their is more hope, but getting it in bits. Anyways, let's not dwell on that for now.

1. Personal development* - use this period to develop your mind. *If you empty your wallet in your mind, your mind will fill up your pocket*. After the pandemic you will come out stronger. 

If possible, *Start a business from home, Ensure the business is legit and seek the help of a mentor to guide you.

2. Adapt to time and season* -  Netflix, Zoom, and few other tech CEOs just entered Forbes list of billionaires. The pandemic has enhanced some businesses to thrive more in recession. *DSTV and other Tv services in Nigeria are cashing out this season. 

Ensure you are in the business of adding value and look for ways to give it a global coverage. Start learning how to help people do things online, take courses if you need to, pay if you need to, because your survival now and after the pandemic is Paramount. Some people have jobs now, but may be jobless after the pandemic.

3. Start working on your plan-B today.* Guess what, some organizations already made it known to their employees that they won't be paying them during this sit-at-home period or some paying half salary, Only government and some few helpful organizations are paying full. Let's keep making the best use of our time.

4. Be creative* - Unleash your creativity, if you have plans to write a book ,this is the best time to begin. Ensure the book solves a problem and loaded with content then find a system to drive it globally online.  ebook for now..

5. Exercise more* - Lock down and staying indoors too long can affect your health, walk within your compound, estate, jog or workout. Ensure your body is in good shape. Allow the heart to pump and ensure you sweat out everyday. 

*Be close to God.* Faith is a personal thing, Feed your spirit with good insights by meditation, stop promoting propaganda news and focus. Avoid fear and guide your mind .

6. Security* - There may be a likely or temporary upsurge in crime in some areas. Take your state of security very important.

7. Stay positively Hopeful* -  Keep safe and stay indoors. This phase will surely pass and we will tell stories of victory to the unborn generations, all the best. Have a wonderful day.

How to Access CBN Non-Interest Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS Loan)

Below is the Detailed Requirement on How to Access CBN Non-Interest Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS Loan). In furtherance of its pivotal role in providing funding to assist the critical sector of the Nigerian economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced a Non-Interest Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS Loan) for the youths.

The objective of the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) scheme according to CBN, is to engage a minimum of 370,000 youths in agricultural production across the country over the next three years in order to reduce unemployment among the youths in the country and increase agricultural production towards food security, job creation, and economic diversification.

CBN AADS Loan Eligibility.
i. Beneficiary must be a Nigerian youth with the ages of 18 to 35 years
ii. Sign an undertaking to abide by the terms of agreement of the Scheme
Focal Activities.
Two Agricultural Commodities where the state has comparative advantage

How the CBN CBN Non-Interest Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme Works.
Mobilization and Clustering
i. State government to mobilize prospective young farmers with representation from all Senatorial Zones

ii. State Governments/FCT to provide agricultural land in contiguous locations in all senatorial Zones. Minimum of 100 hectares per cluster

iii. Prospective entrepreneurs (that meet the eligibility criteria) shall be grouped into clusters by commodity to be produced.

iv. State government to allocate 2-5 hectares of land per beneficiary

v. State Government to provide access roads, water sources and other infrastructure that will enhance agricultural production on the land

vi. States may charge a rental on land (Max. of N10,000 per ha) to defray the cost of land clearing and other infrastructure provided. Rental charged will be embedded in the Economics of Production (EoP) of the farmer.

Financing:
i. The PFIs will act as agents of the CBN in disbursing the financing to the beneficiaries, which shall be in kind.

ii. The PFIs shall purchase the inputs for on-selling to the beneficiaries, using CBN approved non-interest financing contract of Murabaha, Istisna’, etc at an all-inclusive rate of return of 9% p.a. For the financing of labour, the PFI shall use Service Ijarah or any other appropriate CBN approved contract for NIFIs with the same all-inclusive rate of return of 9%.

iii. Financing tenor is 6 months for grains and broiler production (rice, maize, soy bean etc); 18 months for cassava; 24 months for egg production and ruminants; 5 years for plantation crops etc

iv. Average financing size of N250,000 per ha for arable crops; N500,000 per unit for livestock; and N1.5 million naira for plantation crops like cocoa, cashew and oil palm.

Marketing:
Anchors/Processors/Aggregators shall sign uptake agreement with PMT.
 Produce off-take shall be on cash and carry basis.
Contiguous nature of farms should reduce the logistics associated with aggregation.
Participating Financial Institution (PFI) shall:

Conduct due diligence in account opening and credit appraisal.
Access funds from the CBN on Wakala basis for on-financing to eligible entrepreneurs.
Ensure that payments are made directly to vendors in respect of equipment to be acquired with the purchased facility and the PFI takes lien on such assets.
Charge the entrepreneurs the exact rate of return as prescribed by the CBN.
Monitor the beneficiaries to ensure full utilization of the facilities.
 Register beneficiaries’ BVN on the National Collateral Registry (NCR).
Monitor projects.
Input Suppliers/Service Providers shall:

Ensure timely delivery of inputs/services
Provide technical support on usage wherever it is required
Replace deficient inputs supplied to beneficiaries within 5 working days of receiving such complaints by beneficiaries
Provide effective customer services to feedback and complaints management
Anchors/Processors shall:

Sign off-take agreement with the PMT
Off-take produce at the prevailing market price or average of 3 prices within the State
Make payment for all produce collected within 5 working days of collection
Provide logistics for produce aggregation and evacuation
Provide technical support for harvesting and handling of produce
Beneficiaries shall:

Be responsible for the management of the farm provide third party guarantor for repayment of financing facility.
Cross guarantee one another
Must agree to work with extension workers
Commit to abide by the terms of agreement and not to side sell produce
Repay the financing facility as and when due by surrendering the output to the Anchor or State
Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) shall: provide insurance cover for agricultural enterprises under the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme.

 Do your research very well before releasing or sending out any sensitive information to anyone regarding these schemes, to avoid stories that touch. Stay safe and have a wonderful day.