Recognizing the vital role of grassroots engagement in fostering small business growth, I recently had the opportunity to meet with key leaders in local governance, including the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Alabi David Kolade, and Barr. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Chairman of Kosofe Local Government. ALGON serves as the umbrella association representing all Local Governments and Area Councils across Nigeria. Our discussions revolved around the strategic implementation of the One Local Government One Product (OLOP) initiative, a special intervention program designed by SMEDAN to empower local economies through targeted capacity-building interventions.
The OLOP initiative aims to deliver comprehensive support to selected viable cooperative societies in all 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria. This support encompasses the enhancement of human capacity through skill development, the integration of modern technologies to boost productivity, and access to financial resources to ensure sustainability. By working closely with local governments and cooperative societies, we intend to stimulate growth in local production, facilitate the creation of jobs, and improve the overall economic outlook of each community.
During my visit, I had the privilege of inspecting several completed and ongoing projects in Kosofe Local Government. These projects represent the tangible outcomes of strategic grassroots engagement and investment in community development. Among the facilities inspected were the newly completed Executive Council (EXCO) chamber, a state-of-the-art legislative building, an emergency response center that bolsters local disaster preparedness, and modern educational facilities designed to provide quality education for the next generation.
These inspections offered valuable insights into how local governments can serve as pivotal partners in driving sustainable development and improving the lives of their constituents. By aligning SMEDAN’s goals with the efforts of local councils, the OLOP initiative has the potential to unlock vast economic opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, contributing to inclusive growth and national prosperity. The partnership between SMEDAN and ALGON underscores our shared commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s local economies and fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.
