The Ogun State Government has commenced the disbursement of low-interest loans to artisans across its 20 local government areas, in a bid to strengthen local businesses and drive economic growth from the grassroots.
The initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun, during the closing ceremony of a four-day Citizenship and Leadership Advanced Training Programme held for community leaders from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Balogun emphasized that the financial support aligns with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s broader efforts to improve livelihoods through economic empowerment. “This move is part of Governor Abiodun’s grassroots development strategy. By supporting artisans financially, we are enhancing productivity and sustainability at the community level,” he said.
The training, which gathered 687 community leaders, covered crucial topics such as leadership development, strategies to tackle insecurity, disaster preparedness, and social challenges like drug abuse. Participants also engaged in various team-building exercises, including road walks, football matches, campfires, and cultural displays, aimed at promoting unity and cooperation.
Balogun described the programme as more than a workshop, calling it “a call to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision.” He also noted that the state government had appointed four community leaders to the Amotekun Corps Board, further cementing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Plans were also announced to upgrade the Social Development Institute in Shasha to enhance the scope and impact of future training initiatives.
Participants applauded the programme’s impact. Kolawole Idowu, one of the attendees, stated, “This training has broadened our understanding of conflict resolution and peaceful engagement. We are better prepared to serve our communities.”
The empowerment programme forms part of a broader development push under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, backed by the World Bank. To date, the state government reports having empowered over 40,000 farmers, installed smart classrooms in 236 secondary schools, and renovated all eight technical colleges across the state.
This latest initiative reinforces the Abiodun administration’s commitment to sustainable development through community empowerment and inclusive leadership.
