OGSG Disburses Second Phase Of Operational Grants For Enterprises

Ogun State Government, under its OG-CARES scheme, has commenced the disbursement of the second phase of N1 billion operational grant for micro and small enterprises in the state.

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 category received N350,000 each.

Speaking during the event at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-mosan Abeokuta, the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the grant was another milestone in his administration’s blueprint which specified a social contract with the people of the state to support growth and development of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly with the harsh economic realities around the world, adding that these enterprises played a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and driving inclusive economic growth in the state.

Governor Abiodun, who was represented by his deputy. Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, disclosed that beneficiaries were selected through the same strategic, all-inclusive and methodical approach by carefully identifying genuine entrepreneurs nominated by key stakeholders in the society, such as chairmen of local governments, market men and women associations, Community Development Associations, organized private sector, National Youth Council and Association of People Living with Disabilities among others.

While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for initiating the scheme, the governor assured that it would be extended beyond June 2024, urging beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and responsibly, to drive expected positive change, as well as contribute to the growth and development of the economy.

In his contributions, Speaker of the state house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, implored beneficiaries not to see the grant as a national cake but to use it for the purpose it was meant for, to encourage government to do more.

Earlier, Chairman Steering Committee for OG-CARES and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, explained that the disbursement grant which started in 2022 and run for two years, was to mitigate the effect of Covid-19 by providing support for small and medium scale business owners in the state, disclosing that 2,822 small and micro enterprises would benefit from the second phase.

He further said that the grant would also serve as social protection for the poor and vulnerable in the society, as well as support agricultural businesses to boost food supply chain, while urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grant.

Also speaking, Chairman, Association of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON), who is also the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Emilola-Gazal, appreciated the state government for its commitment and support towards development of the grassroots, saying the grant was timely, especially at this period of economic meltdown, advising beneficiaries to make good use of the money.

In their separate testimonies, 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 Obafemi Owode, Chief (Mrs.) Ganiyat Oyelakin, commended Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for its developmental strides in the state, especially on empowering small and medium scale business owners, youths, farmers, market men and women, saying the OGCARES scheme had elevated many beneficiaries into employers of labour.

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