Empowerment

Ogun Empowers Artisans Through Soft Loans, Leadership Training

Published

1 year ago

July 10, 2025

Ogun empowers artisans through soft loans and leadership training, aiming to boost grassroots businesses and enhance community development across 20 LGAs

Ogun empowers artisans through soft loans as part of a broader initiative to boost grassroots entrepreneurship and enhance local economic development across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas.

Also read: Bamidele Abiodun Champions Free Surgery Outreach for Ogun’s Less Privileged

The state’s Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, made the disclosure at the closing ceremony of a four-day Citizenship and Leadership Advanced Training Course held for community leaders.

He explained that the move was in line with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to empowering small business operators and improving livelihoods at the grassroots level.

“The disbursement of these loans is part of Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to empower our citizens at the grassroots level. We want to equip artisans with the necessary financial support to improve their businesses and livelihoods,” Balogun said.

The low-interest loans are designed to support artisans in expanding their trade, purchasing equipment, and sustaining their businesses in a challenging economic environment.

Officials say this is expected to reduce unemployment, curb youth restiveness, and promote self-reliance.

In addition to the loan programme, the training workshop focused on enhancing leadership competencies among community heads.

Participants received practical guidance on managing communal challenges such as banditry, drug abuse, flooding, and conflict resolution.

Hon. Balogun urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the programme to transform their communities positively.

“This training is not just about acquiring new knowledge; it is a call to action, a call to lead with vision, integrity, and compassion,” he said.

We want to equip artisans with the necessary financial support to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

“Community leaders are the heartbeat of development and the vital link between government and the grassroots.”

The event also underscored the Ogun State Government’s recognition of community leadership.

Balogun announced the appointment of four community leaders to the Amotekun Corps Board, highlighting their role in supporting security and social order.

He also revealed plans to upgrade the Social Development Institute in Shasha to strengthen future training programmes.

A total of 687 community leaders from all Local Government Areas of Ogun State participated in the course. Many attendees applauded the initiative, describing it as a transformative experience.

One of the participants, Kolawole Idowu, said, “The training has exposed us to new ways of managing conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence. We are committed to passing this knowledge on to our communities.”

The workshop included team-building activities such as road walks, football competitions, cultural dances, and campfires—aimed at fostering unity and collaboration among participants.

The empowerment programme marks another step in Governor Abiodun’s administration’s approach to inclusive development.

It complements previous efforts under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, which is backed by the World Bank.

According to recent reports, the state government has empowered more than 40,000 farmers, equipped 236 senior secondary schools with smart classrooms, and renovated all eight technical colleges.

Officials say the combination of financial empowerment and leadership training is part of a strategic effort to decentralise development and ensure no community is left behind.

Also read: Empowering Girls Through STEAM Innovation With Lifelong Digital Skills

The administration believes that enabling local actors to become change agents will help bridge the gap between policy formulation and impact on the ground.

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State development

Bauchi Urges Girls to Pursue Education and Skilled Jobs

Published

3 weeks ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Bauchi girls’ education campaign urges students to complete school, learn vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men

Girls in Bauchi State have been encouraged to complete their education, acquire vocational skills and pursue careers traditionally dominated by men as part of efforts to promote financial independence and reduce gender inequality.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

The call was made on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at an event in Bauchi to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

The event was organised under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Project in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, and Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha Idris, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative, said the annual observance aimed to raise awareness of girls’ rights and promote their well-being.

He said the programme was designed to encourage girls to explore a wider range of professions and address gender disparities in the workplace.

Idris urged students to use their school holidays to learn practical skills, including shoemaking and soap production, which could help them earn an income and improve their economic prospects.

“Girls should not feel ashamed of learning a trade or engaging in legitimate businesses. These skills can provide them with sources of income, promote financial independence and reduce their reliance on others,” he said.

Monica Tanko, Executive Director of Azurfa Women and Youth Development Initiative, urged the girls to remain committed to their education and avoid leaving school before completing their studies.

She also encouraged them to develop practical skills alongside their formal education, saying the combination could help prepare them for future challenges and employment opportunities.

Tanko stressed the importance of self-reliance while encouraging the students to maintain their personal dignity as they pursued their ambitions.

Timothy Ibrahim, an engineer with more than 20 years of professional experience, encouraged the students to consider engineering and other professions in which women have traditionally been underrepresented.

He urged them not to allow gender stereotypes to discourage them from pursuing their interests, adding that girls could excel when they had access to opportunities, encouragement and support.

His message reinforced the event’s call for girls to look beyond occupations traditionally associated with women and explore careers across technical and professional fields.

The event was attended by female students from several schools in Bauchi metropolis, including Rafin Zurfi, Bakaro, Unguwar Doya, Gudun Sayawa and the Federal Government Girls’ College.

The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to promote girls’ rights and draw attention to challenges affecting their development.

The Bauchi event used the occasion to highlight the importance of education, vocational training and access to a wider range of career opportunities.

The organisers’ message was that empowering girls requires more than keeping them in school.

Also read: Rest of World to Shut Down as Search for New Home Continues

Access to practical skills, supportive role models and opportunities to enter different professions can also help young women build greater economic independence and participate more fully in their communities.