By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

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, reaffirming his commitment to grassroots economic empowerment and community development.

The governor also pledged to mobilise two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 presidential election, urging community leaders, traders, artisans and cooperative members to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the board in the forthcoming general elections.

Gov Dapo Abiodun made these declarations 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.

Explaining the financial interventions, the governor said ₦500 million had been provided through the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative to support artisans, traders and small business owners, while more than ₦500 million had also been disbursed to cooperative societies through the state’s revolving loan framework.

He recalled that in December 2025, his administration announced financial support for more than 200 Community Development Associations, alongside interventions for artisans, trade associations and cooperative societies, to extend the benefits of governance to towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
[31/10, 11:11] Sam Biodun Ogundipe BenTv: Abiodun said the interventions were designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises, expand economic opportunities, create employment, and improve residents’ livelihoods.

In a major commitment to the community development associations, the governor announced the immediate renovation of the Social Development Institute in Iperu, including the construction of a befitting multipurpose hall.

He also disclosed that he had directed the Director-General of Lands to identify a suitable and conducive parcel of land in Abeokuta for the construction of a secretariat for the associations.

“I have also instructed the Director-General of Lands to identify a suitable and conducive parcel of land so that you can build your secretariat in the state capital,” he said.

The governor further promised to facilitate the appointment of a nominee from the associations and assured them that other issues raised during the engagement would receive government attention.

On the 2027 elections, 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.