Senator Adeola Yayi Empowers 3,000 Market Men & Women with Business Grants in Ogun

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has empowered 3,000 market men and women in the Ogun Central Senatorial District with business grants of ₦75,000 each as part of efforts to boost small-scale enterprises and stimulate grassroots economic growth. The empowerment programme, held on Wednesday at the Ake Pavilion, Ake Palace, Abeokuta, was organised in partnership with the National Productivity Centre under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the fifth edition of the YAYI Market Women and Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme, Senator Adeola said the initiative was designed to strengthen the businesses of market traders and cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges. He explained that the grants were free of charge and carried no repayment obligation, urging beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

“Our market women and men remain the backbone of our local economy, and supporting their businesses is critical to promoting sustainable economic growth. This grant is not a loan but a direct intervention to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, increase their capital and improve their livelihoods,” Adeola said. He added that his interventions have extended beyond financial support to include the construction of modern markets, installation of solar-powered boreholes and provision of solar streetlights to improve the trading environment across Ogun State.

The lawmaker noted that the YAYI Market Women and Men Support Fund has continued to grow in scale since its launch in 2023. The programme initially supported 5,000 traders with grants of ₦25,000 each, followed by another 5,000 beneficiaries who received ₦50,000 in 2024, while a further 5,000 traders benefited from ₦75,000 grants during the third edition in 2025. The current phase expands the intervention to traders across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State.

Senator Adeola also disclosed that two ultra-modern markets are under construction at Isaga-Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area and Panseke in Abeokuta South Local Government Area to enhance commercial activities in Ogun Central. He added that over the past three and a half years, he has facilitated the construction of 43 modern markets, alongside the installation of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights across major markets in Ogun West, as part of sustained efforts to improve market infrastructure and promote economic development in the state.