Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has instituted a N500m soft loan scheme for artisans and traders across the state.
The governor, who announced this at the 2023 International Community Day and World Trade Day celebration held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the soft loan, which would be tagged “Oko’wo Irinse Dapo,” would be given to traders and artisans within 30 days after modalities had been worked out.
Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of traders and artisans to the economic development of the state, adding that his administration would not neglect them, as they had been worthy partners in realizing the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda
He said: “In fulfilment of the promise I made in the year 2022, which was to provide N500 million in soft loans for the artisans that we call Okowo Irinse Dapo, I have instructed the Commissioners for Finance, Trade and Investment, as well as Community Development and Cooperative, to work out the modalities for disbursement of this loan.
“The N500 million is available for disbursement. However, we need to work out the details of how this disbursement will be made, and I have given them one month to ensure that our artisans and trade unions begin to benefit from this disbursement.”
The governor also announced the disbursement of grants and subventions to community development associations and area, zonal, and senatorial development committees across the state.
“Today, over 200 Community Development Associations will receive grants ranging from N200,000 to N5 million.
“Additionally, subventions and administrative grants will be allocated to 437 Area Development Committees, as well as 20 Zonal Development Committees and three Senatorial Community Development Committees, namely the Ogun State Community Development Council and the Ogun State Trade Council,” the governor added.
He disclosed that the revolving loan is part of his administration’s initiative that will soon be unveiled to have an Ogun Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneur Scheme tagged OG-YES, adding that it would enable the government to provide loans and grants to various individuals in the State.
The initiative, the governor noted, is part of his government’s contribution to support the efforts of the Community Development Associations and to acknowledge their selfless services in ensuring that communities across the State receive the desired infrastructure for development.
Governor Abiodun maintained that the occasion provided the government with the opportunity not only to recognize the invaluable contributions of communities and other valuable stakeholders but to appreciate them for their communal efforts, which have led to increased economic and social activities in their areas.
“Your support for government programs and activities reflects a strong sense of belonging and a strong sense of partnership in our shared relations to advance the development of the State in line with the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.
“Today’s occasion is not just to celebrate your efforts and dedication to serving your various communities but to acknowledge your commitment to bridging the gap between the government and the people,” he said.
While assuring that the government would continue to strengthen the community development associations, trades, and artisans for improved service delivery, the state helmsman also assured that his administration’s policies and programs would continue to be people-oriented and community-driven in terms of project selection, implementation, and maintenance.
Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative, Alhaji Balogun Ademola, in his welcome address, lauded the state government for its supportive role in the development of the communities, imploring the community development associations to continue partnering with the government to make life better for all.
The Chairman, Community Development Council, Chief Taiwo Lucien, noted that communities are built on mutual respect between the government and the people, appreciating the governor for granting the CDAs a marching grant, as well as providing palliatives to the people to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy withdrawal.
He applauded members of various communities for making this year’s celebration the best, assuring that the CDAs will continue to work with the government for the development of the state.
The highlight of the celebration was the conferment of Grand Patron and Patron on the governor and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo.