The Ogun State Government has disbursed financial support to more than 200 Community Development Associations (CDAs), alongside numerous artisan groups, trade associations and cooperative societies, as part of its drive to strengthen grassroots development and expand economic opportunities across the State.

The grants were announced by the Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the celebration of International Community Day and World Trade Day.

At the event which was held at the MKO Sports Arena in Kuto, Abeokuta, the State Government reaffirmed its commitment to improving livelihoods and empowering community-based organisations.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor highlighted a series of targeted interventions delivered under the “Building Our Future Together” Agenda.

According to her, the government provided N500 million in soft loans provided through the Oko’owo Irinṣẹ Dapo Initiative, N250 million in grants to artisans and trade associations, as well as additional development-focused grants issued to CDAs to support community-led projects.

She said N500 million in revolving loans was released to cooperative societies to enhance their capacity to provide financial services for their members.

The Government further explained that these interventions are complemented by various training programmes designed to improve financial literacy, enterprise management and technical skills, especially for women and young people.

Reinforcing its job creation agenda, the Administration also announced the establishment of three Job Centres and Work Hubs, aimed at linking artisans and jobseekers to training, apprenticeship opportunities and available jobs.

The centres also support small businesses by offering advisory services, market access and workspace, adding that plans are underway to expand these hubs to all twenty local government areas.

Ogun State’s collaboration with international partners, including the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and the German Industry and Commerce International Business Services, was also noted as a key driver in strengthening vocational capacity and global competitiveness among artisans and cooperatives.

While presenting grants to beneficiaries, the Government urged CDAs, trade groups and individuals to deploy the funds responsibly to advance community projects and enhance local economic activities.

The Ogun State Community Development Council and the Ogun State Trade and Artisans Council were commended for their roles in promoting unity, grassroots participation and economic productivity.

The event concluded with a call for deeper collaboration to sustain the State’s development trajectory and ensure that every community continues to benefit from ongoing empowerment initiatives.