In a bid to support micro and small-scale enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ogun State has set aside N1 billion to provide operational grants for 1,500 business owners across the state’s 20 councils.
During the enumeration and vetting process of beneficiaries in Abeokuta, Mrs. Olusola Arobieke, the Project Manager of the state’s COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme (OGUN CARES), emphasized the objective of this initiative. The aim is to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on micro and small-scale business owners.
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Arobieke revealed that approximately 16,000 business owners have been nominated to receive the grant, spanning across the three senatorial districts. The first batch of 1,500 entrepreneurs will receive notifications within 24 hours.
“The N1 billion grant program has been ongoing for some time. Its primary purpose is to provide relief for micro and small enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in all three senatorial districts of Ogun State. Eligibility for the grant is not restricted to indigent individuals; as long as they have a business establishment within the state, they can benefit,” stated Arobieke.
About the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Programme
The NG-CARES programme seeks to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the livelihoods of poor individuals, farmers, vulnerable households, communities and owners of micro and small enterprises. It is designed to support a budgeted programme of expenditures and interventions at the State level – targeting existing and emerging vulnerable and poor households, agricultural value chains, and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) affected by the economic crisis.