International Community Development/World Trade Day: Ogun begins distribution of N500 million loan to artisans

 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has instituted a 500 million naira soft loan programme for artisans and traders across the state.

The governor, who announced the news on the occasion of the 2023 International Community Day and World Trade Day held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the concessional loan, dubbed “Oko’wo Irinse Dapo”, would be given to traders and artisans within 30 days of the terms being worked out.

Abiodun acknowledged the contribution of traders and artisans to the economic development of the state, adding that his administration would not neglect them as they were worthy partners in the implementation of the “Building Our Future Together” agenda.

He said: “In fulfillment of the promise made in 2022, which was to provide N500 million in concessional loans for artisans we call Okowo Irinse Dapo, I have directed the Commissioners for Finance, Trade and Investment, as well as Community Development and Cooperation, to work out the modalities for the 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 done and I have given them one month to ensure that our artisans and unions start benefiting from this disbursement.”

The governor also announced the provision of grants and subsidies to community development associations and area, zone and senatorial development committees across the state.

“Today, over 200 community development associations will receive grants ranging from N200,000 to N5 million.

“Also, grants and administrative subsidies 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 said the revolving loan is part of a soon-to-be-unveiled initiative of his administration which includes an Ogun Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneur Scheme called OG-YES, adding that this 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 effort to support the efforts of community development associations and recognize their selfless service in ensuring that communities across the state receive the desired infrastructure for development.

Governor Abiodun maintained that the occasion provided the government with an opportunity to not only recognize the valuable contributions of communities and other key stakeholders, but also appreciate them for their community 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 ownership and collaboration in our shared relationships to promote the development of the State in line with the agenda “Building our Future Together”.

“Today is an occasion not only to celebrate your efforts and dedication to serving your various communities, but also to recognize your commitment to bridging the gap between government and the people,” he said.

While assuring that the government would continue to strengthen community development associations, trades and artisans to improve service delivery, the State helmsman also assured that his administration’s policies and programmes would continue to be people-oriented and community-driven in terms of project selection, implementation and maintenance.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Balogun Ademola, commended the state government for its role in supporting community development, imploring community development associations to continue to collaborate with government to improve the lives of all.

The chairman of the Community Development Council, Chief Taiwo Lucien, stressed that communities are built on mutual respect between the government and the people, appreciating the governor for granting the CDAs an emergency grant and providing palliatives to the people to cushion the effects of the withdrawal of fuel subsidies.

He applauded members of various communities for making this year’s celebration the best, assuring that CDAs will continue to collaborate with the government for the development of the state.

The highlight of the celebration was the conferment of the titles of Grand Patron and Patron to the governor and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo.

The post International Community Development/World Trade Day: Ogun begins distribution of N500 million loan to artisans appeared first on TheConclaveNg.