This second phase of disbursement, as revealed in a statement on Sunday, targets over 1,000 SMEs that have been grappling with the economic challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020.

The Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, who also chairs the State CARES Steering Committee, outlined the modalities for accessing the N1 billion operational grant.

He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration is committed to supporting businnesses to boost the economy of the state and not only to SMEs but also to vulnerable individuals and those facing physical challenges.

Okubadejo assured that this initiative would be an ongoing effort, covering all three senatorial districts of the state and will spans across various sector such as trade, agriculture, artisans and more.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must have been operating a business in the state for at least three years, be affiliated with a notable association within the state, demonstrate regular tax compliance, and possess valid means of identification.

Ms Sola Arobieke, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Promotion And Facilitation Agency (Ogun Invest), and the Programme Manager for OG-CARES, urged interested parties to apply and commended the governor for approving the commencement of the second phase of the grant.

In goodwill messages, the Chairmen of the House Committee on Transportation, Daisi Elemide, and Industry, Trade, and Investment, Bisi Oyedele, praised the state government for the initiative.