One Year in Office: Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Unveils Single-Digit Microcredit Scheme for Market Women in Abeokuta North
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Abeokuta, Ogun State — In a landmark initiative aimed at empowering small-scale traders and strengthening local economies, the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, has announced the introduction of a single-digit microcredit scheme for market women as part of activities marking his one-year anniversary in office.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Abeokuta North Local Government Secretariat, Akomoje, where Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo described the initiative as a practical step towards promoting financial inclusion, supporting women entrepreneurs, and improving household livelihoods.
“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,” he said. “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 the Chairman, 1,500 market women have been shortlisted for the first phase of the scheme, which will be organized into 500 clusters of three women each. The loans will rotate among members on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, with structured modalities for repayment and accountability.
“We have carried out a detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) process,” Oyegbola-Sodipo explained. “We know who these market women are, what they sell, and where they operate — from Lafenwa to other major markets across Abeokuta North.”
The initiative, he noted, is part of a broader development plan designed to uplift residents through access to finance, skill acquisition, and infrastructure renewal.
Major Projects Commissioned for Anniversary
In addition to the microcredit scheme, Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo announced the completion and upcoming commissioning of three new markets, including the Itaoshin Mall, the ultra-modern Lafenwa Shopping Complex, and a 240-store Computer Village at Olomore.
The Computer Village, he disclosed, is fully solar-powered to ensure uninterrupted power supply and attract major technology and telecom brands to Abeokuta North.
“Every occupant will have access to 24/7 electricity through mini-solar systems. This is part of our vision to build sustainable infrastructure that meets modern standards,” he said.
Youth Empowerment and Skills Development
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development, Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo announced that 100 young residents are set to begin training in soap-making, while earlier trainees in adire and paint production have already executed commercial projects worth millions of naira.
“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,’ which we use in our local projects,” he said.
These efforts are being consolidated under the OGO Multipurpose Venture, an initiative created to attract new projects, generate jobs, and ensure sustainable income opportunities for young people in the local government.
Security and Community Engagement
The Abeokuta North Council boss also lauded the Amotekun Corps for their role in enhancing security across the state, noting that the local government’s Safe Road, Safe Passenger, Safe Rider initiative complements the state’s overall security framework.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the council will pay courtesy visits to first-class traditional rulers including the Agura of Gbagura, Olowu of Owu, Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, and Omala of Imala. The week-long programme will conclude with a Juma’at Service at Kobiti Central Mosque and a Thanksgiving Service at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikereku.
A Year of Purposeful Governance
Reflecting on his first year in office, Hon. Oyegbola-Sodipo expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and staff welfare.
“In just 12 months, we have demonstrated what is possible through vision, planning, and commitment,” he stated. “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.”
The anniversary celebration, he emphasized, is not just a time for reflection but a renewed call to action — to sustain development, promote inclusiveness, and ensure that every resident feels the impact of good governance.
