No fewer than 300 traders, market women, widows and other vulnerable residents have benefited from the sixth edition of the empowerment programme organised by the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II at the National Assembly, Hon. Biodun Omoleye.
At the programme held at Orelope Community Market Centre, Ijurin-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government Area, the lawmaker disbursed over ₦30 million as grants to support small businesses across the constituency.
Depending on the nature and scale of their trades, beneficiaries received between ₦50,000 and ₦250,000. While some went home with ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 grants, others received ₦200,000 and ₦250,000 to strengthen and expand their enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Omoleye described the financial support as a tip of the iceberg, stressing that the gesture was aimed at responding to the yearnings of his constituents and boosting grassroots economic activities.
“What we are doing today is nothing extraordinary. It is about fulfilling one of the promises we made to our people, and I am happy it has come to pass. This money is a grant to support their enterprises, and we will continue to strive to do more,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the Orelope Community Modern Market in Ijurin was constructed for the benefit of all communities within the constituency, adding that more life-impacting projects were in the pipeline.
He disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to award scholarships to thousands of youths in the constituency, while construction of a modern market in Ikoro was set to commence.
He also revealed that one kilometre of township road is currently under construction in Aramoko-Ekiti, alongside the installation of streetlights across towns in the constituency and the upgrade of the ICT Centre at the Ijero College of Health Science and Technology.
Further highlighting some of his achievements so far, Omoleye said he had executed projects across virtually all communities under his jurisdiction.
According to him, rural electrification projects have been carried out in Efon Local Government, while public places and streets in about 28 towns have been illuminated with streetlights.
He added that six classrooms were constructed at Grammar School, Ipole-Iloro, and that the establishment of a vocational training centre for youths is ongoing in Ijurin-Ekiti.
He also recalled that about 500 youths had previously been empowered with working tools, while others were trained and given financial support to start their own businesses.
Omoleye assured that the empowerment initiative would be sustained and conducted periodically to cushion the effects of economic hardship on his constituents.
In her remarks, the Executive Chairman of Irewolede LCDA, Mrs Dupe Bakare, represented by the Head of Local Administration, Mr Vincent Babatunde, commended the lawmaker for what she described as consistent efforts to uplift the people economically.
She said the current initiative was another step towards strengthening grassroots development.
A representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr Ismail Saheed, also lauded the initiative, describing it as laudable and impactful.
He noted that Omoleye had consistently worked to elevate the social and economic status of his constituents and urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the grants.
In their goodwill messages, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly representing Ekiti West Constituency II, Hon. Joba Adeoye, said Omoleye had demonstrated responsible representation by consistently putting the interests of his constituents first.
Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ijero Constituency at the state assembly, Hon. Ademola Ojo, urged beneficiaries to show appreciation and make judicious use of the funds to attract more opportunities.
The Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, Oba Joachim Ajibola, described Omoleye as a blessing to Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II and advised beneficiaries to use the grants to grow and upgrade their trades.
The Iyaloja of Ijero-Ekiti, Mrs Adesewa Faleye, and Mrs Bola Ajibola extolled the virtues of the lawmaker, appreciating him for prioritising the welfare of traders and market women.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Iyaloja of Ekiti West Local Government, Mrs Mary Adesola, expressed gratitude to the lawmaker, pledging that the funds would be used to boost their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
The event was attended by Iyalojas from various local governments within the constituency, market leaders, party stalwarts, Oloris and several royal fathers, including the Oloja-Ọ̀wà of Ọ̀wàtedo Ekiti, the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, Oba James Olugbesoye, and the Oluroye of Iroko Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ekundayo among others.
