The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Oyo North Senatorial District, Mrs Hannah Ogunesan, has distributed ₦25 million to traders across six local government areas in Oke Ogun Zone 2 as part of her Traders Empowerment Scheme.
The empowerment programme, held on Wednesday at the Main Hall in Saki, attracted a large gathering of traders from Atisbo, Saki West, Saki East, Oorelope, Olorunsogo and Irepo Local Government Areas, turning the venue into a hub of activities.
Speaking at the event, the Babaloja of Oke Ogun Zone 2, Alhaji Abdulwahab Olagbenro Elesin, commended Ogunesan for what he described as an unprecedented demonstration of support for traders.
”This empowerment initiative is unprecedented in the history of Oke Ogun. No previous political leader has demonstrated this level of commitment to the welfare of traders. Mrs Hannah Ogunesan has shown that she understands the importance of commerce to the economic growth of our communities, and for this, we proudly honour her with the title ‘Koseleri of Oke Ogun,’ Elesin said.
He noted that no previous political leader had made such a significant investment in the welfare of traders in the zone. In recognition of her gesture, Elesin conferred on the APC senatorial candidate the honorary title of “Koseleri of Oke Ogun,” saying the empowerment initiative would have a lasting impact on the lives and businesses of beneficiaries.
He also highlighted the critical role traders play in driving economic growth and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
”I urge every beneficiary to make prudent use of this support by investing it in their businesses. When traders thrive, families prosper, local economies grow, and our communities become stronger. We appreciate this remarkable gesture and encourage our people to continue supporting leaders who genuinely care about their welfare,” he added.
The event was attended by several prominent market leaders and stakeholders, including Alhaji Lukman Yussuff, Hammed Olabamiji (Baba Oloja), Chief Abdulwaheed Ayinla, Comrade Adebayo Ademola, Alhaji Tajudeen Okunlola, APC Chairman in Saki West Local Government, Alhaji Wasiu Arula, Alhaji Waheed Alaga, Alhaji Malik (Babasale), Chief Adams Olaiya (Kekere Akin), Alhaji Mufutau Oyere, Alhaji Lawal Busari Abdulyekeen, Chief ACOGET, Baba Alex Hammed, Alhaja Adeniji Mulikat and Mrs Ayobolu Adufe, among others.
The distribution of the empowerment funds was coordinated by the Iyaloja-General, Alhaja Sara Aduke Konibaje, alongside Alhaja Atoke, Babaloja of Ibadan North West Local Government; Alhaja Jero, Majero Oloja of Ibadanland; Alhaja Busari; Mrs Adebayo; Iyaloja Eleyele; Comrade Akin; and Hon. Bidemi Akintola.
As part of the visit, Konibaje paid homage to the Okere of Saki, although the traditional ruler was out of town at the time. She was, however, warmly received by a large crowd of traders on arrival in the ancient town.
The programme also featured colourful cultural performances, including renditions of Ewi poetry, the Oke Ogun Anthem, the Saki Anthem and other traditional musical displays, adding excitement to the occasion.
Participants were encouraged to invest the empowerment funds wisely to strengthen their businesses.
They also pledged their support for Mrs Ogunesan, describing her intervention as a demonstration of her commitment to improving the welfare of traders across Oyo North Senatorial District.
