… Set To Inaugurate State-of-the-Art Computer Village in Olomore
In a bid to promote financial inclusion among Market women, the Abeokuta North Local Government Chairman, Honourable Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has announced plans to roll out single-digit micro-credit loans scheme to 1500 market women as part of activities to mark one year in office.
The chairman disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Local Government headquarters, Akomoje, Abeokuta, saying the loan facility is aimed at empowering women and boosting economic growth.
While expaciating on the Micro credit loan scheme, the chairman stated that the initiative of the loan scheme is historical as the first ever in the history of local government administration in Nigeria to provide a loan facility with single digit to market women.
He added that market women will form cluster group of 3 people while the repayment will be made easy for the beneficiaries.
He maintained that with the loan facility, the market women will heave sigh of Relief as majority of them are known to take loan from micro finance bank with strigent condition which in most cases put them in an unnecessary pressure.
“In the history of local government administration, this is the first time a single-digit microcredit will be made available to our market women in Abeokuta North.
“Everybody talks about financial inclusion , this is our own response to it. It’s not a grant, it’s a credit ,and beneficiaries will apply for it.
According to him, 1,500 market women have been identified for the first phase of the scheme, organized into 500 clusters of three women each.
“We’ve already carried out the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. “We can tell who these market women are, what they sell, and where they operate , from Lafenwa to other key markets in Abeokuta North.”
Honourable Sodipo also revealed that he has completed a state-of-the-art computer village with 240 stores in Olomore, Abeokuta, featuring a mini solar grid for stable power supply. The project is expected to attract grants and promote digital operations.
“Every occupant will have access to 24/7 power supply through mini-solar systems. This is part of our one year anniversary celebration”he said.
The chairman highlighted his administration’s efforts to address unemployment, including vocational training for youths in tie and dye, painting, and paint-making. Additionally, 100 new trainees will be trained in soap and cosmetic production to mark the anniversary.
“The people we trained to make adire have completed three major projects already. Those trained in paint production are now producing and applying our own local brand called ‘OGO Paint,’ used in various local projects,” he explained.
Sodipo stated that his administration has completed projects in all 16 wards and prioritized staff welfare and capacity building. He projected that Abeokuta North will become a model for others to emulate within the next two years.
He said that he has completed various projects inherited by his administration while some of those initiated by his administration are either completed or nearing completion stage.
The chairman emphasized his administration’s open-door policy, citing the success of the “Safe Rider and Safe Road Initiative” collaboration with Abeokuta South Local Government, which has received stakeholder commendations.
“These initiatives are being consolidated under the newly established OGO Multipurpose Venture, designed to attract new projects, create jobs, and generate sustainable income for young people in Abeokuta North.” He noted.
Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo also commended the role of the Amotekun Corps in enhancing security intelligence across Ogun State.
“As part of the one-year celebration, the council has lined up visits to first-class traditional rulers including the Agura of Gbagura, Olowu of Owu, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, and the Omala of Imala.
The week-long celebration will culminate in a Juma’at Service at Kobiti Central Mosque and a Thanksgiving Service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikereku on Sunday.
While Reflecting on his first year in office, Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed confidence in the progress made across all sectors , from education and health to staff welfare and infrastructure while reaffirming his commitment to the local government’s development blueprint.
“In just 12 months, we have demonstrated what is possible through vision, planning, and commitment. By the grace of God, in the next two years, Abeokuta North will be a reference point comparable to what you can find anywhere in the world.We want everyone from Abeokuta North to be proud of their local government.”
