The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Friday distributed ₦100 million in business support grants to traders, artisans, and farmers across Oyo State.
The initiative, tagged the “2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Programme Series,” took place at the Bayo Adelabu Foundation House in Ibadan, the state capital.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, said the grants were designed to ease the economic hardship faced by residents and strengthen small-scale enterprises.
He noted that the initiative reflects his ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering grassroots economic growth.
“This empowerment is not about politics. I am only thanking God for His mercy by giving back to society,” Adelabu stated, stressing that the programme was not politically motivated but a gesture of gratitude and service to humanity.
Acknowledging the current economic challenges confronting Nigerians, the minister called for targeted interventions to assist those hit hardest by inflation and rising costs.
He urged citizens to remain optimistic and to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring that ongoing economic reforms would soon produce positive results.
“President Tinubu is God-sent to Nigeria. Though things are tough now, Nigerians will soon reap the gains of their sacrifices,” he said.
Guest speaker Mr. Olutayo Akinleye, a financial expert, commended the minister’s effort, noting that such empowerment programmes would significantly promote entrepreneurship and local economic development.
Akinleye advised beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds and avoid wasteful spending.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to Adelabu, saying the financial support would help expand their businesses and improve their living standards.
