Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says his administration has disbursed over N1 billion to community development associations, trade associations, artisans, traders and cooperative societies across the state.

Mr Abiodun stated this on Friday at the 2026 International Community Development Day and World Trade Day celebrations held at the Social Development Institute, popularly known as “SHA SHA”, in Iperu-Remo.

He said N500 million was provided through the “Oko-Owo/Irinse Dapo” soft loan initiative for artisans and traders, while over N500 million was disbursed to cooperative societies through the state’s revolving loan scheme.

Mr Abiodun also announced the immediate renovation of the institute, including the construction of a multipurpose hall.

He subsequently instructed the director-general of lands to identify a suitable parcel of land in Abeokuta for a secretariat for community development associations.

He also promised to facilitate an appointment for a nominee of the associations, adding that other concerns raised by stakeholders would receive government attention.

On the 2027 elections, the governor urged residents to support President Bola Tinubu, citing improved foreign reserves, increased revenue allocations, student loans and infrastructure projects as gains of the administration.

He expressed confidence that Ogun would achieve the two-million-vote target, urging residents to rally behind the APC governorship candidate, Solomon Adeola, alongside other party candidates.

Mr Abiodun said his administration had complemented the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through its developmental pillars, listing the Gateway International Airport, the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port and road construction among its achievements.

“Nigeria is rising without a doubt. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we have a duty to ensure that this progress is sustained for the benefit of all of us,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, described community development associations as critical partners in grassroots transformation, assuring stakeholders of sustained government support.

The chairman of the Ogun State Community Development Council, Adetayo Boyejo, commended the governor’s interventions.

(NAN)