Governor Abiodun plans to improve Cooperative College and boost small businesses

Governor Dapo Abiodun has shared plans to upgrade the Ogun State Cooperative College. The college will soon offer National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications. He also revealed that his government has given out over ₦1 billion in loans to cooperatives, artisans, traders, and small business owners.

Abiodun explained that this project aims to strengthen cooperative institutions and develop skilled workers. It will also make it easier for small businesses to access financial support.

The governor spoke on Wednesday during the 2026 International Day of Cooperatives event. This celebration was held in Ijebu-Ode by the Ogun State Cooperative Federation Limited with the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives.

He mentioned that work is in progress to improve the college's buildings and learning facilities. This will help it provide better training in cooperative management.

"Preparations are advancing for infrastructure improvement at the Ogun State Cooperative College to position it to award National Diploma and Higher National Diploma qualifications," the governor stated.

"Our objective is to prepare skilled professionals who can manage institutions, assess risks, and protect members."

Abiodun also said that over ₦500 million has been given to cooperative societies through the Ogun State Cooperative Federation. This funding is part of the government's revolving loan scheme. Another ₦500 million has been made available through the Oko ‘Owo’ Irinse Dapo Soft Loan Initiative. This initiative supports artisans, traders, and small business owners in all 20 local government areas of the state.

He pointed out that these efforts are part of his administration’s plan to improve access to affordable loans, strengthen small businesses, and encourage economic growth.

The governor promised to provide land for cooperative societies to engage in farming and housing projects. He said this would create more job opportunities, improve food security, and help with affordable housing.

He emphasized that cooperative societies are key to economic development. They allow members to combine resources, access loans, and undertake projects that they might not be able to do alone.

Abiodun urged cooperative members to maintain accountability, unity, and good business practices. This way, the benefits of government support will reach those who need it the most.

He also talked about new investment chances in Ogun East. He mentioned the recent discovery of crude oil in Ogun Waterside, Ijebu North-East, and Odogbolu local government areas. This could boost the state's economy.

The governor described the proposed Ogun Deep Seaport as a major project. Once completed, it will attract investments, increase business activities, and create jobs.

Earlier, Hon. Ademola Balogun, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, shared that Ogun State has about 14,700 registered cooperative organizations. These groups contribute to social and economic growth in the state.

Balogun noted that cooperatives do more than just provide financial help. They also encourage unity, support business development, and promote collective action at the grassroots level.

He praised the governor for the revolving loan support and asked beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to grow their businesses and strengthen the cooperative movement.

Wasiu Olaleye, the President of the Ogun State Cooperative Federation, also praised the government's support. He called the ₦500 million revolving loan an important boost for members' economic activities.

Olaleye urged for the upgrade of the Cooperative College at Shasha, Iperu-Remo, to offer ND and HND programs. He believes this would solve manpower issues in the sector and help trainees learn modern cooperative management methods.

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, was represented by Mr. Victor Oyegoke, his Special Assistant on Cooperatives. He praised the state government’s efforts in developing cooperatives. He added that the Federal Government is also working with cooperatives to support grassroots communities in agriculture and small businesses.