An aspirant for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Abeokuta South Constituency II, Mr. Olalekan Jiboku on Sunday empowered residents of the constituency with cash support aimed at strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
The empowerment programme, which targeted beneficiaries across Wards 8 to 15 of Abeokuta South Constituency II, was designed to provide financial relief and boost grassroots economic activities within the area.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Jiboku said the initiative was part of his commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of residents and supporting local entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the constituency’s economy.
According to him, small businesses play a critical role in job creation and poverty reduction, stressing that empowering traders and artisans would have a ripple effect on families and the wider community.
“This empowerment is a deliberate effort to support our people who are struggling to sustain their businesses in the face of economic challenges,” Jiboku said. “When we strengthen small businesses, we strengthen the entire constituency.”
He added that the cash support was not politically motivated but stemmed from his long-standing passion for community development and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
Jiboku further assured residents that, if given the opportunity to represent them at the Ogun State House of Assembly, he would prioritize policies and programmes that promote economic empowerment, youth development and social welfare.
One of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme Mrs Giwa Funmilayo expressed deep gratitude to Olalekan Jiboku for the cash support, describing it as a timely intervention that would help her sustain and grow her small business.
She noted that the assistance came at a period when many traders were struggling with rising costs and reduced profits.
Also speaking, Badmus Christopher appreciated the assembly hopeful for remembering grassroots entrepreneurs in Abeokuta South Constituency II.
He said the cash support would enable him to improve his business operations, adding that the gesture demonstrated Jiboku’s genuine concern for the welfare and economic progress of the people.