By Amos Odeh, Yenagoa.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s firm commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment.
He stated this during the official flag-off of the Imole Osun Cash Grant/Empowerment Scheme 2.0, where over 2,000 beneficiaries, mostly women and youths, received direct cash support to boost their enterprises and livelihoods.
The event held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, State Secretariat, Abere, was organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment.
The Governor’s keynote address was delivered on his behalf by Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, who represented him at the ceremony.
Governor Adeleke, in his address, described the empowerment scheme as _“another bold statement of our commitment to empowering our people, uplifting households, and strengthening the economic base of our dear state.”
He emphasized that his administration is determined to take empowerment beyond slogans by ensuring that every citizen feels the positive impact of government policies.
“Our administration is not about empty promises or deceit. We deliver, we empower, and we transform lives,” the Governor declared.
“This Cash Grant/Empowerment Scheme is about creating wealth, generating jobs, and fostering prosperity for our people. It is about empowering our citizens to be self-reliant and to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Osun’s economy.”
Governor Adeleke highlighted some of the Ministry’s notable achievements under his administration, which include:
Hosting the first-ever Osun State Cooperative Summit and Award Ceremony, during which the Cooperative Revolving Loan was increased from ₦1 billion to ₦3.45 billion;
Launching a Food Bank Initiative in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc, through which over 3,000 residents benefited from free food support;
Upgrading the Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke College of Cooperative Studies, Ode-Omu, to a UNIOSUN campus;
Empowering People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in collaboration with Project Enable Africa; and
Implementing the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0, where 2,000 beneficiaries received Business Registration Certificates (CAC), POS Terminals, and Start-up Grants.
He commended the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment under Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe for their dedication to driving people-oriented programmes that align with the administration’s five-point development agenda. The Governor urged all beneficiaries to utilize the grants prudently to grow their businesses and uplift others in their communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his visionary leadership and unwavering support toward initiatives that prioritize the welfare of the people.
He described the event as a landmark in Osun’s empowerment journey, stating that:
_“This is not merely a distribution of cash grants; it is a testimony to this Administration’s dedication to sustainable development, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and equitable economic growth across Osun State.”
Ogungbangbe also appealed for the continuous expansion of the empowerment schemes, ensuring that more women and youths benefit from the Imole vision of shared prosperity. He congratulated all beneficiaries and urged them to be diligent and responsible stewards of the support extended to them.
The Imole Osun Cash Grant/Empowerment Scheme 2.0 is part of Governor Adeleke’s broader vision to build a self-reliant, productive, and prosperous Osun State where no one is left behind.
