Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration has disbursed over ₦1 billion to community development associations, trade councils, artisans, traders, and cooperative societies across the state. This move is aimed at reaffirming his commitment to grassroots economic empowerment and community development. The governor made this announcement 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.
The financial interventions provided by the governor's administration include ₦500 million through the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative to support artisans, traders, and small business owners. Additionally, more than ₦500 million has been disbursed to cooperative societies through the state's revolving loan framework. These initiatives are designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises, expand economic opportunities, create employment, and improve the livelihoods of residents.
In December 2025, Governor Abiodun's administration announced financial support for over 200 community development associations, alongside interventions for artisans, trade associations, and cooperative societies. This move aimed to extend the benefits of governance to towns, villages, and neighborhoods. The governor also announced the immediate renovation of the Social Development Institute in Iperu, including the construction of a multipurpose hall.
Furthermore, Governor Abiodun disclosed that he has directed the Director-General of Lands to identify a suitable and conducive parcel of land in Abeokuta for the construction of a secretariat for community associations. He also promised to facilitate an appointment for a nominee of the associations and assured them that other issues raised during the engagement would receive government attention.
On the 2027 elections, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu, describing the last three and a half years of the Federal Government as a period of significant economic and infrastructural reforms. He cited falling food prices, the elimination of fuel queues, the introduction of student loans, foreign reserves rising above $50 billion, and increased revenue allocations to subnational governments as indicators of progress under the current administration.
Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that Ogun would achieve the two-million-vote target with the support of grassroots organizations, urging residents to vote for all APC candidates, including the party's governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and other candidates for legislative positions. He also called for support for his senatorial ambition in Ogun East, maintaining that continuity in governance was important for sustaining the socioeconomic development taking place in the state.
The governor's administration has complemented the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda through the implementation of its ISEYA development pillars, covering Infrastructure, Social Wellbeing, Education, Youth Empowerment, and Agriculture and Food Security. Some of the major initiatives positioning Ogun as an economic and industrial destination of choice include the Gateway International Airport, the proposed Gateway Deep Sea Port, the dry port, emerging oil and gas investments, extensive road construction, and housing projects.
Key points
- Governor Abiodun pledges 2 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
- The governor's administration has disbursed over ₦1 billion to community development associations, trade councils, artisans, traders, and cooperative societies.
- Governor Abiodun's administration is committed to grassroots economic empowerment and community development.
