YAYI EMPOWERS 3,000 MARKET WOMEN, MEN WITH ₦75,000 GRANTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOTS ECONOMY

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has empowered 3,000 market women and men across the state with business grants of ₦75,000 each in what marked the fifth edition of his flagship traders’ empowerment programme.
The large-scale intervention, held in Ogun State, is aimed at strengthening micro and small-scale businesses, reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs. The initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and complements the “Oko Owo Dapo” initiative of Governor Dapo Abiodun, which focuses on improving the welfare and productivity of market women across the state.
Speaking during the programme, Senator Adeola said the empowerment initiative represents another fulfilment of his promise to improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens through practical economic support.
He recalled that his commitment to market traders began even before his election into the Senate, when he facilitated grants of ₦25,000 each for 5,000 market women on two separate occasions. According to him, the programme has continued to expand, with subsequent editions increasing the grant from ₦50,000 to the current ₦75,000, reflecting his determination to cushion the effects of economic hardship and stimulate grassroots commerce.
The senator noted that market women and men remain critical drivers of the state’s economy, adding that supporting their businesses would not only improve household incomes but also promote sustainable economic growth across Ogun State.
The colourful event attracted top government officials, traditional leaders, market executives and political stakeholders. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former Deputy Governor, Salmot Badru; the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; Rt. Hon. Titi Oseni Shodunke, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, Ogun State Iyaloja-General, Yemisi Abass, Mrs. Yemisi Salako, wife of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Olaolu Olabimtan, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, alongside several serving and former public office holders.
The traders’ empowerment programme is the latest in a series of social intervention initiatives by Senator Adeola. In recent weeks, he also expanded his annual scholarship and bursary scheme to benefit over 5,300 students across Ogun State while sustaining other empowerment programmes targeted at farmers, youths and artisans. P
Political observers and beneficiaries described the latest intervention as one of the largest direct support programmes for market traders in Ogun State, noting that the consistent expansion of the initiative underscores Senator Adeola’s emphasis on inclusive economic development and grassroots empowerment. They expressed optimism that the grants would strengthen small businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute to improved economic activities in communities across the state.