Ogun gov lauded on economic growth

File: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

Community leaders, traders, and artisans in Ogun State have commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as his administration’s development initiatives and support for grassroots economic growth.

They gave the commendation during the 2026 International Community Day and World Trades Day, organised by the state Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives at the Social Development Institute, Shasha, Iperu-Remo, on Friday.

In his address, the Chairman of the state Community Development Council, Adefemi Adetayo, said the administration’s people-oriented policies had promoted individual and collective prosperity among communities, artisans, and businesses across the state.

The Chairman of the Traders and Artisans Council, Omoniyi Babatope, described Abiodun as the first governor to approve a N500m grant for local artisans to support their trades and businesses.

Babatope said the intervention had improved the working conditions of artisans, boosted their businesses, and created opportunities for increased productivity.

He pledged the continued loyalty and support of artisans for the administration’s programmes and policies while urging the government to sustain initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and promoting economic growth.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, said the celebration provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of communities to self-help development and the role of traders and artisans in driving economic activities.

He said the event also strengthened the partnership between the government and residents while providing an avenue to assess achievements and renew commitment to programmes that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development.

• Artist unveils exhibition inspired by recovery from paralysis
• Yayi renews promise to youth empowerment
• FG, Ogun probe recurring gas leaks

Balogun reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to grassroots participation, describing Community Development Associations and artisans as important partners in identifying local needs, mobilising residents, promoting peaceful coexistence, and executing self-help projects.

In their goodwill messages, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razak Adenugba; the Osi of Egbaland, Senator Olabode Mustapha; and Bayo Dayo commended the governor for what they described as achievements across various sectors of the state.

They urged community leaders, traders, and artisans to sustain their support for the administration.

The event featured the presentation of grants-in-aid and subventions to several Community Development Associations and organisations, including Itesuwaju CDA, Ado-Odo/Ota; Ikenne Area CDA; Egba Aarin ACDA; the Ogun State Traders and Artisans Council; and the Ogun State Community Development Council.

Awards of recognition were also presented to individuals acknowledged for their contributions to community development in the state.

The recipients included a former commissioner in the ministry, Gbenga Ademosun; Oba Abdul-Razak Adenugba; the member representing Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka; Elder Adeshina Adejumo; the Ologere of Ogere, Oba James Obafemi Saliu; and the Clerk of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Sakirudeen Adebakin.