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.

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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.

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