By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, has disbursed ₦25 million as business recapitalisation grants to 500 women petty traders across the state.
Each beneficiary received ₦50,000 at the empowerment programme at the Osun State Government House, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, as part of efforts to rejuvenate and upscale small-scale businesses owned by women.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adeleke charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants by investing the funds directly into their businesses to achieve the intended objective.
She explained that the intervention was designed to reduce the challenges associated with limited access to capital, strengthen small businesses, and improve the livelihoods of women at the grassroots.
“The essence of this empowerment is to inject capital directly into your businesses so that you can grow, become more stable, and improve your standard of living,” the First Lady said.
The programme is one of the economic empowerment initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at addressing business challenges faced by women and expanding their contribution to national development.
Mrs. Adeleke noted that empowering women economically remains a critical pathway to building a sustainable and inclusive economy.
“This intervention is to boost our economy, strengthen local businesses and incomes, and position our women to be financially independent.
Government at all levels will continue to prioritise women’s economic inclusion and empowerment as a vital tool for creating a balanced and prosperous nation,” she added.
The beneficiaries, visibly elated, expressed deep appreciation to Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke for the gesture, pledging to utilise the grants effectively and remain active contributors to national development.
Dignitaries at the event included Dr. (Mrs.) Olunike Adeleke, wife of the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning; Mrs. Ogungbile, wife of the Honourable Commissioner for Finance; Hon. (Mrs.) Monisade Awotunde, wife of the Osun State ALGON Chairman; Hon. (Mrs.) Alice Otunla, Osun State PDP Women Leader; and Chief (Mrs.) Mary Oyebode, Iyaloja General of Osun State, among others.
