Ogun State Government has disbursed an additional N250 million grant to trade artisans across the state as part of efforts to strengthen small-scale businesses and cushion the economic challenges facing residents.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, announced the gesture at the 2024 International Community Day and World Trade Day celebration held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.
He said the support was a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to empowering residents, noting that the annual celebration underscores the resilience of communities, the creativity of artisans, and the vital role of trades in building strong local economies.
“This initiative is aimed at boosting the growth of small businesses and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of our people. I urge beneficiaries to make judicious use of these grants and loans to enhance both individual and collective prosperity,” the Governor stated.
The deputy governor also disclosed that the administration had established three Job Centres and Work Hubs to connect artisans and jobseekers with training, apprenticeships, and business support services, adding that the facilities would be expanded across all 20 local government areas.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, said the celebration aligns with global observance dedicated to recognising the contributions of community groups and artisans to grassroots development. He noted that the 2024 edition was unique as it coincided with the formal disbursement of Grants-in-Aid for selected community-driven self-help projects, and the release of subventions to community councils across the state.
Hon. Balogun commended community leaders and artisans for supporting government programmes and emphasised the need for accountability in the use of public funds.
“These grants are public funds entrusted to community leadership for collective good. We expect transparent use of resources and timely execution of approved projects. Our Ministry will continue monitoring and evaluation to ensure full completion and functionality. Communities that excel will receive priority in future funding,” he said.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Arc. Olarotimi Oresile, and Chairman of the Ogun State Community Development Council, High Chief Adefemi Adetayo, praised the government for deepening community development initiatives. Chairman of the Trades Council, Mr. Omoniyi Babatope, also lauded the earlier provision of a N500 million low-interest loan targeted at uplifting artisans and small business owners.
Awardees at the event, including Chief Idowu Ibikunle and Alhaji Sikirulai Alabi Olowo, expressed gratitude to the state government for the recognition. Others honoured were Engr. Nathaniel Sodipo Adewole, Asiwaju Titus Obajimi, and the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo.
The event featured awards for outstanding community leaders and the official disbursement of fresh grants to artisans and communities.
Recall that Governor Abiodun had earlier disbursed N500 million soft loans under the “Oko’wo Irinṣẹ Dapo” scheme to artisans, and provided additional grants to over 200 communities to support their self-help projects, while cooperative societies also received a N500 million revolving loan to boost their operations.
