The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong and productive communities through financial support, skills development, and expanded economic opportunities across the State.
Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this at the celebration of International Community Day and World Trade Day, where his Administration announced over N1.2bn in fresh interventions for community groups, artisans, cooperatives, and individual beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abiodun who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the initiative reflects his Administration’s resolve to reduce poverty and strengthen grassroots development through sustainable community support.
“Today reminds us of the strength of our communities and the role of trade in building stronger local economies. It is also a moment to reflect on the progress we have made and renew our commitment to uplifting every community in Ogun State,” he said.
He announced that the government has provided N500m as soft loans under the Oko’owo Irinṣẹ Dapo Initiative, N250m as grants to artisans and trade associations, and additional grants to more than 200 Community Development Associations to support their projects.
“These interventions are designed to improve livelihoods and empower our people to build sustainable enterprises that support their families and communities,” the Governor said.
The State also released N500m as revolving loans to cooperative societies to enhance their capacity to serve members, supported with training programmes on financial literacy and enterprise management, especially for women and young people.
Abiodun commended the Honourable Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, and his team for what he described as “consistent efforts to promote community engagement, strengthen self-help initiatives and support skills development across the State.”
He noted that part of the Administration’s focus is to improve access to jobs and market opportunities for artisans and young people.
According to him, “We have opened three Job Centres and Work Hubs to connect people to training, apprenticeship opportunities, and available jobs. These hubs help small businesses and artisans secure better market access and advisory services, and they will be expanded to all twenty local government areas.”
The Governor added that partnerships with the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and the German Industry and Commerce International Business Services are opening new doors for skills acquisition and enterprise growth.
“These collaborations are helping young people acquire competitive skills and strengthening the economic base of our State,” he said.
During the ceremony, grants were disbursed to CDAs, trade and artisan groups, and individual beneficiaries. Abiodun urged recipients to make good use of the resources.
“I encourage all beneficiaries to use these funds wisely and continue to work together for the progress of their communities,” he said.
The Governor congratulated the Ogun State Community Development Council and the Ogun State Trade and Artisans Council on the successful commemoration of International Community Day and World Trade Day, noting that their contributions “remain central to the growth and development of our State.”
