The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment  to supporting tradesmen and artisans to enable them to attain full potential in their respective professions.

Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Hon. Ademola Balogun made this known during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Executive members of the Ogun State Trades Council (OGTC), following a successful election supervised by the Ministry in Oke-Mosan,  Abeokuta. 

Hon. Balogun while congratulating the new officers as they took their oaths of office, noted that the Executive Committee was the first in the history of the Council to include members spread across the State, urging them to uphold the Association’s Constitution and contribute to the vision of the Prince Dapo Abiodun  led administration to improve the lives of residents.

According to the Information and Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, Ms. Yemisi Fashola,  the Commissioner, also restated the government’s commitment to the informal sector, as demonstrated in the implementation of different empowerment programmes anchored by Gov. Abiodun through the Ministry, saying members of the association were critical stakeholders in the economic transformation programs of the State.

He charged them to continue to support the state government in its efforts at improving the lives and welfare of residents, hinting that the Ministry would soon commence disbursement of soft loan to empower the sector in their various businesses.

He enjoined them to work together to improve their sector, ensure peaceful co-existence among all tradesmen and artisans, charging them to serve their constituents wholeheartedly. 

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Development, Arc. Oluranti Oresile who urged the new excos to be good ambassadors of their profession and zones, said  their election was a call to serve and represent members of the various groups, stressing that they must do this with dilligence and integrity.

Earlier, Director of Trades Development,  Monitoring and Evalutaion in the Ministry, Mr. Farouk Adejumo said adequate care was taken to ensure members of the Committee cut across the twenty Local Government Areas of the State, representing all zones and sectors to ensure inclusivity of sector members.

The newly elected Chairman, Mr. Omoniyi Babatope expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for his support, pledging to lead with a listening ear and prioritise the interests  and welfare of members while working diligently to advance the State’s development plans for their sector

Other members of the new executives include Mr. Anthony Ayodele, Chief Matthew Ajibawo, Alh. Adeleke Balogun, Mr. Adelani Elegbede, Mr. Rudwan Odusanya, Mrs Monsurat Adeniji, Mr. Ramon Ogunbiyi, Mr Olawale Olasumbo, Alhaja Aisha Ibrahim, among others.