Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI), representing Ogun West Senatorial District, has further demonstrated his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and economic empowerment by providing grants of ₦75,000 each to 3,000 market women and men across Ogun Central Senatorial District.
The empowerment programme, held at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta under the fifth edition of the Market Women/Men Support Fund, underscores Senator YAYI’s people-oriented leadership and his sustained investment in strengthening small businesses, promoting financial inclusion, and improving the livelihoods of traders across Ogun State.
The Ogun Central exercise marks the first phase of this year’s empowerment programme, with similar interventions scheduled for Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts, ensuring that more hardworking entrepreneurs benefit from the initiative.
Since emerging as Senator, YAYI has consistently translated his campaign promises into tangible programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. His commitment to market traders dates back to February 2023, when he empowered 5,000 traders with ₦25,000 grants during his senatorial campaign after identifying the economic challenges facing small-scale businesses.
The success of that intervention gave birth to the Oloja YAYI Initiative, a structured programme dedicated to providing sustained financial support to market women and men across the state. In January 2024, another 5,000 traders in Ogun West received grants of ₦50,000 each, while the third edition in April 2025 expanded statewide, with 5,000 beneficiaries across Ogun Central, Ogun East, and Ogun West receiving ₦75,000 grants each.
This year’s empowerment programme is being implemented in partnership with the National Productivity Centre and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at boosting economic growth through sustained support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Notably, the financial support remains a grant—not a loan—allowing beneficiaries to strengthen their businesses without repayment obligations.
Beyond direct financial assistance, Senator YAYI has continued to champion infrastructure development that supports commercial activities. Over the past three and a half years, he has facilitated the construction of 43 modern markets across Ogun West Senatorial District, featuring lock-up shops and open stalls in communities including Lusada, Agosasa, Ijoun, Ilaro, Ilobi, Obada, Ilara, and Ota.
He has also facilitated the installation of solar-powered boreholes and streetlights in several markets, improving access to clean water, enhancing security, and creating a more conducive environment for commerce.
Responding to requests from stakeholders in Ogun Central, Senator YAYI is currently facilitating the construction of two ultra-modern markets at Isaga-Orile in Abeokuta North Local Government Area and Panseke in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, with completion expected in the coming months.
The lawmaker reaffirmed that all beneficiaries of his empowerment programmes are selected transparently and without discrimination based on political affiliation, religion, or social status, reflecting his belief that quality representation must benefit every segment of society.
He urged beneficiaries to invest the grants wisely in expanding their businesses, noting that stronger small enterprises will translate into improved household incomes, job creation, and broader economic prosperity for Ogun State.
Political observers have continued to point to Senator YAYI’s consistent record of empowerment, infrastructure development, and people-centred initiatives as evidence of a leadership style focused on delivering measurable results. His expanding grassroots support across the three senatorial districts is widely viewed as strengthening his profile and momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
As the Ogun Central phase concludes, thousands more traders in Ogun East and Ogun West are expected to benefit in the coming weeks, reinforcing Senator YAYI’s enduring commitment to building a more prosperous, inclusive, and economically vibrant Ogun State.
