Ogun disburses additional N250m grants to trade artisans

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced the disbursement of additional N250 million grants for trade artisans across the state.

The governor, who announced this during the 2024 International Community Day and World Trade Day celebration, at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, said this was aimed at strengthening small-scale businesses and alleviating economic hardship confronting residents.

The governor, in a release by the ministry’s Information Officer, Yemisi Fashola emphasised that the grant was a demonstration of his administration’s service to residents.

 Represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor, said the day was a reminder of the strength of communities, the creativity of artisans and the role of trades in building stronger local economies.

He enjoined them to make judicious use of grants and loans disbursed to improve the individual and collective economies of all.

While reaffirming government’s commitment to improving the lives of residents, she added that the present administration had also opened three job centres and work hubs to link artisans and job seekers to training, apprenticeships, and business support, noting that the centres will be expanded across the 20 local government areas.

Commissioner in the ministry, Ademola Balogun, said the celebration was in consonance with global observance and 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.

Balogun said that the 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 subvention to the state councils, zonal and Area Community Development Committees (ACDCs).

Balogun, 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 will be inevitable.

He emphasised that celebration represented a partnership grounded in trust, accountability and shared responsibility.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Olarotimi Oresile commended the 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.

Chairman, Community Development Council (CDC), Chief Adefemi Adetayo and his trades council counterpart, Mr. Omoniyi Babatope both appreciated the government for its support through the disbursement of an initial ₦500 million low interest loan aimed at improving the lives and businesses of residents.

In their separate remarks, awardees, Chief Idowu Ibikunle and Alhaji Sikirulai Alabi Olowo, on behalf of others, appreciated the government for the honor bestowed on them.