Traders, artisans, and farmers across Oyo State have expressed gratitude to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for disbursing N100 million as business support grants under his 2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Programme Series
The beneficiaries, who gathered at the Bayo Adelabu Foundation House in Ibadan, said the financial assistance came at a crucial time when many small businesses were struggling to survive due to rising costs and inflation.
A petty trader from, Mrs. Folake Adebayo, said the grant would enable her to restock her shop and sustain her family’s daily needs. “Things have been very tough, but with this support, I can buy more goods and continue my business,” she said.
Similarly, a fashion designer, Mr. Akeem Ajani, described the gesture as timely relief, adding that it would help him expand his tailoring shop and train more apprentices. “This is not just a gift; it’s an investment in our future. I can now buy a new sewing machine and employ two more hands,” he said.
For farmers, the empowerment was seen as a boost to agricultural productivity. A cassava farmer, said the grant would help her purchase fertilisers and improve her yield. “We farmers rarely get this kind of attention. I thank Chief Adelabu for remembering us,” she said.
Speaking during the event, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the initiative was part of his commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurship and alleviating economic hardship among residents.
He explained that the empowerment was not politically motivated but a demonstration of gratitude and service to humanity. “This empowerment is not about politics. I am only thanking God for His mercy by giving back to society,” the minister stated.
Adelabu acknowledged the economic challenges confronting Nigerians and called for targeted interventions to cushion the effects on small-scale business operators. He urged citizens to remain hopeful, assuring that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms would soon yield positive results.
A financial expert, Mr. Olutayo Akinleye, who was guest speaker at the event, commended the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and community growth. He urged beneficiaries to invest the grants wisely and avoid wasteful spending.
The event was attended by a former Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Executive Director of South West Development Commission, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle; APC executives in the state; and the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass, who all applauded the minister for empowering traders, artisans, and farmers across the state.
