Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced the disbursement of N250m grant for trade artisans across the State.
The Governor, who announced this at the 2024 International Community Day and World Trade Day celebration at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the soft loan tagged “Oko’wo Irinse Dapo,” was aimed at strengthening small-scale businesses and alleviating economic hardship confronting residents, emphasising that the grant was a demonstration of his administration’s service to residents.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor, who said the day was a reminder of the strength of communities, the creativity of artisans, as well as the role of trades in building stronger local economies, added that it was a moment to reflect on the progress made, while renewing the commitment to improve the State as a whole, enjoining them to make judicious use of grants and loans disbursed to improve the individual and collective economies of all.
Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Ademola Balogun, in his welcome address said the celebration was in consonance with global observance, dedicated to recognising the collective strength, resilience and ingenuity of communities in advancing grassroots development and the impact of trade artisan groups in the economic development of countries across the world, adding that the year 2024 celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with the formal disbursement of Grants-in-Aid to selected community-driven self-help projects across the State, as well as release of subventions to the State councils, Zonal and Area Community Development Committees.
Hon. Ademola who commended community leaders and trade artisans for their support towards government initiatives through the judicious use of aids and grants, said that when government and communities work together, progress would be inevitable, emphasising that celebration represented a partnership grounded in trust, accountability and shared responsibility.
“These grants are public funds, entrusted to our leaderships for the collective good. We expect timely project execution, transparent use of resources and strict adherence to approved specifications. Our Ministry will continue to conduct monitoring and evaluation visits to ensure that all funded projects are completed and fully functional. Communities that demonstrate exceptional performance will receive priority in future funding cycles.” He emphasised.
In their goodwill messages, Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Arc. Olarotimi Oresile commended the State government for raising the bar in community development, enjoining community leaders across the State to continue to support government in its effort to better the lives of residents across the State.
Also speaking, Chairman, Ogun State Community Development Council, High Chief Adefemi Adetayo and his Trades Council counterpart, Mr. Omoniyi Babatope both appreciated the State government for its support through the disbursement of an initial 500 million naira low interest loan aimed at improving the lives and businesses of residents.
In their separate words of appreciation, awardees, Chief Idowu Ibikunle and Alh. Sikirulai Alabi Olowo, on behalf of others, appreciated the State government for the honor bestowed on them. Other awardees included Engr. Nathaniel Sodipo Adewole, Asiwaju Titus Obajimi and Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo. The event also featured the disbursement of grants to trade artisans in the State.
Recall that Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier disbursed 500 million soft loans to Artisans and additional grants to over 200 Communities to support their self-help projects, just as Cooperative societies were supported with 500 Million revolving loan to strengthen their Operations.
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