The Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives says it has begun the registration process preparatory to the disbursement of N500m 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 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, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr. Balogun, while acknowledging Prince Dapo Abiodun led-administration’s efforts in empowering the people to aid socio-economic development and enhance self sufficiency, assured that the process leading to the disbursement of the funds would be transparent as it would accommodate all categories of beneficiaries including artisans and small scale business owners.

In his remarks,  the House Committee Chairman,  advocated increased funding to strengthen grassroots economy and investments as well as cooperative initiatives.

In the same vein, the Committee on Youth and Sports, chaired by Hon. Lukman Atobatele, has appraised the budget performance of the Ministry of Sports Development as presented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka.

Earler in his presentation, the Permanent Secretary appreciated the members of the State House of Assembly for their continued support and contribution, highlighting key achievements of the Ministry and allied agencies, including the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival tagged: ‘2024 Gateway Games’.

He added that the Ministry within the period under review completed  the renovation and upgrade of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena and Alake Sports Complex, with the construction of Olympic-standard swimming pools and tennis courts amongst other facilities.