Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has rolled out a major empowerment initiative that will benefit 2,000 women and young people across the state.
The scheme, tagged Imole Empowerment Scheme 1.0, was officially launched on Thursday in Osogbo through the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment, in partnership with First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc.
Each beneficiary of the programme received a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration certificate, and a start-up grant to enable them to begin small-scale businesses immediately.
Governor Adeleke described the initiative as a deliberate step by his administration to reduce unemployment, strengthen financial inclusion, and create wealth at the grassroots.
“This scheme covers all the 30 local government areas and the area offices in the state. Our goal is to equip our people with the tools to become entrepreneurs, support their families, and contribute to the growth of the local economy,” Adeleke said.
The governor urged beneficiaries to put the empowerment package to good use by growing their businesses and creating opportunities for others. He stressed that women and youths, being the most active segment of society, would play a vital role in driving Osun’s economic transformation.
Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr. Bayo Ogungbangbe, explained that the ministry, since its establishment in July 2023, had embarked on several interventions to support small businesses and vulnerable groups. He noted that the Imole Empowerment Scheme 1.0 goes beyond handing out items, but represents the state’s commitment to sustainable development, job creation, and poverty reduction.
He further recalled past collaborations with non-governmental partners such as Project Enable Africa and Libra Philanthropies, which provided training, mentorship, and funding for people with disabilities.
“The empowerment of 2,000 women and youths with start-up resources is a strong statement that Osun is ready to build inclusive economic growth where no one is left behind,” Ogungbangbe said.
The beneficiaries, drawn from across the state, expressed appreciation to the governor and promised to use the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
