Yayi Concludes Fifth Oloja Yayi Programme, Empowers 10,000 Traders Across Ogun State

Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has concluded the fifth edition of the Oloja Yayi Market Men & Women Support Fund Programme with the empowerment of 4,000 market men and women in Ogun West Senatorial District, bringing the total number of beneficiaries across the state to 10,000 traders.

The Ogun West edition of the programme was held on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Ilaro, following earlier phases in Ogun Central and Ogun East, where 3,000 traders each benefited from the initiative. Organised in partnership with the National Productivity Centre, each beneficiary received a non-refundable grant of ₦75,000 aimed at strengthening small businesses, improving cash flow, and enhancing the economic resilience of traders.

Addressing beneficiaries, Senator Adeola said the intervention was conceived to tackle the financial challenges confronting market women and men, particularly the need for working capital to sustain and expand their businesses. He stressed that the support fund was a grant rather than a loan, describing it as part of efforts to provide relief to small-scale entrepreneurs while stimulating grassroots economic growth across Ogun State.

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He urged recipients to invest the grants wisely to improve profitability and expand their businesses, reaffirming his commitment to programmes that promote inclusive development and improve livelihoods. “When small businesses thrive, families prosper, and communities grow. Our market women and men are the engine of our local economy, and this empowerment is about providing them with the support they need to expand their businesses, create more opportunities, and contribute to Ogun State’s economic growth. We will continue to invest in initiatives that put our people at the centre of development,” Adeola said.

The APC governorship candidate also highlighted complementary infrastructure projects designed to boost commercial activities across the state. These include the construction of ultra-modern markets in Abigi, Mobalufon Trailer Park, Ogijo, Isaga-Orile, and Panseke, as well as the installation of solar-powered boreholes and solar streetlights in major markets to provide safer and more conducive trading environments.

The event attracted prominent political leaders, government officials, market executives, and stakeholders. Among those in attendance were the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun; former Deputy Governors Alhaja Salmot Badru and Prince Segun Adesegun; Chief (Mrs.) Temitope Adeola; Dr. (Mrs.) Yemisi Salako; Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Elemide; former Speaker Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Hon. Gboyega Nosiru Isiaka (GNI); the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Abbass; commissioners, lawmakers, traditional leaders, and traders from across the state.