The Ogun State Government has approved the inclusion of civil and public servants in the Ogun State Agricultural and Multi-Purpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA) loan scheme as part of a strategic effort to boost local food production and empower workers engaged in farming.

Governor Dapo Abiodun approved the extension of the facility to encourage civil servants to participate in agriculture, aligning with the administration’s poverty alleviation drive. 

A circular issued by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, confirmed that the scheme is specifically for confirmed officers who are actively involved in agricultural businesses.

To qualify, interested workers must be confirmed in service and have a minimum of three to five years of service history, or at least five years remaining before retirement. 

In a major boost for beneficiaries, the Governor directed that the interest rate be reduced from 18% to 15%. The loans will be self-guaranteed, with monthly repayments deducted directly from salaries.

In a separate move to strengthen public administration, the Ogun State Bureau of Public Procurement organised a two-day capacity-building programme for heads of procurement units. 

The training focused on the use of Standard Bidding Documents to ensure transparency and compliance with state laws.

Bureau Coordinator Bolarinwa Adebowale stated that the training will promote uniformity and reduce the incidence of substandard or abandoned projects across the state.

Source: HallMark News