Ogun State Boosts Local Economy with Soft Loans for Artisans
The Ogun State Government has rolled out soft, low-interest loans for artisans as part of efforts to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen grassroots development. The initiative was announced by the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, during a leadership training event held in the state.
According to Balogun, the loan programme is part of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s broader strategy to boost economic activity at the community level. He said the loans will support artisans in expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods.
“This 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 announcement came at the end of a four-day Citizenship and Leadership Advanced Training Course held for community leaders across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State. The training covered essential leadership topics, including conflict resolution, crime prevention, flood control, and substance abuse awareness.
Balogun emphasised that community leaders are key drivers of progress and development. He called on them to use the knowledge gained to bring about meaningful changes in their communities. “This training is a call to lead with vision, integrity, and compassion,” he added.
The state also showed its recognition of grassroots leadership by appointing four community representatives to the Amotekun Corps Board. Additionally, Balogun announced plans to upgrade the Social Development Institute in Shasha to enhance future training efforts.
The training saw the participation of 687 leaders from every local government in the state. Many participants praised the initiative for expanding their skills in leadership and peacebuilding. One of them, 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.”
To further strengthen bonds among the participants, the programme included engaging activities such as road walks, cultural dances, football matches, and campfires.
Governor Abiodun’s approach—combining access to finance with leadership education—has drawn praise as a solid step toward long-term development in Ogun. This initiative adds to other notable efforts by his administration, including the empowerment of over 40,000 farmers, the provision of smart classrooms to 236 schools, and the renovation of all eight technical colleges in the state through the World Bank-supported Ogun State Economic Transformation Project.
