ALGON disburses ₦2bn cash grants

By Ismail Azeez

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, has launched a massive “Poverty Alleviation Scheme,” disbursing over ₦2.25 billion in cash grants to 45,000 residents across the state.

In a statement by the Osun ALGON Chairman, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, the forum confirmed that each beneficiary will receive a ₦50,000 grant intended as investment capital for small-scale enterprises.

The initiative is structured to empower 1,500 people in each of the state’s 30 local government areas, specifically targeting youths, women, artisans, and petty traders.

Abiodun described the program as a “clear demonstration” of the councils’ collective effort to restore the glory of local government administration through people-focused social interventions. He noted that the scheme aims to banish hunger and stimulate socioeconomic productivity at the grassroots level.

This cash disbursement follows a flurry of recent activities by the Osun council chairmen, who have been under pressure to demonstrate the impact of increased federal allocations at the local level.

Just 24 hours prior to this announcement, the forum distributed 300 motorcycles across the state to bolster local security and communal peace.

The “Poverty Alleviation Scheme” also arrives on the heels of a statewide road grading project, suggesting a coordinated attempt by the council leadership to address both infrastructure and human capital ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

By framing the grants as “investment capital” rather than mere handouts, ALGON is positioning itself as a driver of micro-entrepreneurship in an economy currently facing high inflationary pressures.