Ogun State Government Commences Second Phase of N1 Billion Operational Grant Disbursement

The Ogun State Government has begun the second phase of the N1 billion Operational Grant disbursement for Micro and Small scale Enterprises under its OG-CARES scheme.

This phase will benefit approximately 2,822 entrepreneurs.

The first phase, conducted in 2023, saw 1,000 micro-enterprise entrepreneurs receive N100,000 each, while those in the small-scale category received N350,000 each.

The event, held at the Obas’ Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, featured Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that this initiative aligns with his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda, aiming to support the growth and development of Medium, Small, and Micro scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

“These enterprises play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth,” Abiodun said.

He noted that the grants are particularly important given the current global economic challenges.

The beneficiaries were selected through a strategic, inclusive approach, involving nominations by key stakeholders such as local government chairmen, market associations, community development councils, the organized private sector, the National Youth Council, and the Association of People Living with Disabilities.

Governor Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the scheme and announced that the disbursement period would extend beyond its initial June 2024 end date.

He urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and responsibly to drive positive change and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, reminded beneficiaries of the responsibility that comes with receiving such support, urging them not to view the grant as a mere handout but to use it purposefully.

The Chairman of the OG-CARES steering committee and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, stated that the disbursement, which began in 2022, aims to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting small and medium-scale business owners.

He highlighted that the grant also serves as social protection for the poor and vulnerable and supports agricultural businesses.

ALGON Chairman and Ijebu Ode Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emilola Gazal, commended the state government’s commitment to grassroots development.

He noted the grant’s timeliness in alleviating current hardships and advised beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds.

In their testimonies, Dr. Femi Egbesola, Chairman of the Association of All Business Owners of Nigeria, and Chief (Mrs) Ganiyat Oyelakin, representing the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, praised Governor Abiodun for empowering small and medium-scale business owners, youths, farmers, and market vendors through the OG-CARES scheme, which has transformed many beneficiaries into employers of labor.