The Ogun State Government on Wednesday commenced the disbursement of the second phase of the N1billion Operational Grant for Micro and Small-scale Enterprises in the state under its OG-cares scheme for 2,822 entrepreneurs.
Penpushing reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun while speaking at the event held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta noted that his administration’s blueprint specifies a social contract with the people of the Gateway State as encapsulated in the “Building Our Future Together” Agenda.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele stressed that the 2nd phase marks another milestone in his government’s commitment to supporting growth and development of the state’s Medium, Small and Micro scale Enterprises.
Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that the first disbursement was done in 2023, during which 1,000 entrepreneurs in micro enterprises received N100,000 each, while those in the small-scale categories received N350,000 each.
The Governor at the Wednesday ceremony added that these enterprises played a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and driving inclusive economic growth, stressing that the operational grant disbursement was aimed at supporting businesses within the state, particularly in the face of the harsh economic realities around the world.
Penpushing also reports that he explained that beneficiaries were selected through the same strategic, all-inclusive and methodical approach, which his administration is known for by carefully identifying genuine enterpreneurs nominated by key stakeholders in the society.
The Governor noted that such include chairmen of local governments, market men and women associations, Community Development Councils, organised private sector, National Youth Council, Association of People Living with Disabilities amongst others.
Penpushing reports that Abiodun while appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the scheme reassured that the disbursement will be extended beyond June 2024 when it was initially supposed to end, urging beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and responsibly.
The Governor stated and equally explained at the ceremony that the grant was given with the expectation of driving a positive change as well as contributing to the growth and development of our economy.
Penpushing further reports that Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide in his speech noted that to whom much is given, much is expected, and implored beneficiaries not to see the grant as national cake but to use it for the purpose it was meant for.
The Chairman steering committee for OGCARES Mr Dapo Okubadejo earlier in his remarks said the disbursement, which started in 2022 was to mitigate the effect of coronavirus pandemic by providing support for small and medium scale business owners in the state,
Penpushing also reports that Okubadejo who doubles as the Commissioner for Finance noted that 2,822 small and micro enterprises would benefit from the second phase, and implored them to make judicious use of the money, pointing out that the grant would also serve as social protection for the poor and vulnerable in the society and support agricultural businesses.
The Chairman of Association of Local Government (ALGON in the state, who is also the Chairman Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon. Emilola Gazal appreciated the state government for its commitment and support towards developing the grassroots.
Penpushing reports that Gazal pointed out that the grant was timely, especially now that many people are going through a lot of hardship in the country while advising beneficiaries to make good use of the money.
The Chairman Association of all Business Owners of Nigeria, Dr Femi Egbesola and the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass, represented by the Iyaloja of Obafemi Owode, Chief (Mrs) Ganiyat Oyelakin, in their separate testimonies commended Abiodun for his developmental strides in the state,
Penpushing further reports that Egbesola noted that these include empowering small and medium scale business owners, youths, farmers and market men and women, stating that the OGCARES scheme has turned many beneficiaries to employers of labour.
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