The Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives said it has begun the registration process in preparation for the disbursement of N500 million worth of business and industrial grants to artisans and small-scale business owners in the state.
The commissioner in charge of the ministry, Mr. Ademola Balogun, disclosed this while appearing before the members of the state House of Assembly Committee on Community Development and Cooperatives led by Hon. Dickson Awolaja, during the ongoing 2025 mid-year budget performance appraisal at the Assembly complex in Abeokuta.
Balogun, while acknowledging the efforts of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in empowering the people to aid socio-economic development and enhance self-sufficiency, assured that the process leading to the disbursement of the funds will be transparent and will accommodate all categories of beneficiaries, including artisans and small-scale business owners.
In his remarks, the House Committee Chairman advocated for increased funding to strengthen the grassroots economy, investments, and cooperative initiatives.
In the same vein, the Committee on Youth and Sports, chaired by Hon. Lukman Atobatele, evaluated the budget performance of the Ministry of Sports Development as presented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka.
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Earlier in his presentation, Ogunyinka expressed appreciation to members of the state Assembly for their continued support and contributions, highlighted key achievements of the ministry and allied agencies, including the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival, tagged the ‘2024 Gateway Games’.
He added that during the period under review, the ministry completed the renovation and upgrade of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and Alake Sports Complex, including the construction of Olympic-standard swimming pools and tennis courts, among other facilities.