Business

Osun Govt flags off Imole business empowerment scheme, Targets 2,000 Beneficiaries

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Governor Ademola Adeleke launches a major grassroots initiative—providing business registration, POS terminals, and startup grants to 2,000 beneficiaries—to reduce poverty, boost SMEs, and foster inclusive economic growth across Osun State.

Published

3 months ago

September 11, 2025

Emmanuel Abiodun

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The Osun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has flagged off the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0, a landmark initiative designed to empower 2,000 women and youths with business registration certificates, Point of Sales (POS) terminals, and start-up grants.

The event, held at the Staff Development Centre, Abere, was attended by dignitaries, government functionaries, financial partners from First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc, as well as beneficiaries from across the state.

In his address, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-focused governance, stressing that the empowerment programme was part of his five-point agenda to tackle poverty, boost small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and create jobs.

He noted that the initiative would not only support business operators but also expand the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenue base.

“Our goal is to create a thriving economy by supporting small businesses and market operators,” the Governor declared. “This empowerment is a practical step to ensure inclusive growth, reduce unemployment, and give our people the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods.”

Hon. Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, also described the scheme as a major milestone for grassroots development since the creation of the ministry in 2023.

He highlighted the government’s partnerships with First Bank and Fidelity Bank, which supplied the POS machines, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which provided business registration certificates for all beneficiaries.

“This is not just a grant or certificate; it is a call to responsibility,” Ogungbangbe told beneficiaries. “Use these opportunities wisely, grow your businesses diligently, and become worthy ambassadors of this noble initiative.”

The Commissioner also shared inspiring stories of two beneficiaries, Miss Blessing Adeniran, a physically challenged graduate full of entrepreneurial dreams, and Mr. Olawumi Olabode, a resilient young man who drives a tricycle for survival but does not own one.

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He appealed to the Governor for additional support to enable them to live more independent and dignified lives.

He further revealed that the scheme’s rollout was the first phase, assuring that subsequent phases would cover more citizens, including artisans and petty traders, with plans to introduce loans to further extend the dividends of democracy to grassroots communities.

The empowerment programme follows earlier efforts by the Ministry to support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) with training, mentorship, and ₦4 million in seed funding through partnerships with Project Enable Africa and Libra Philanthropies.

Both the Governor and the Commissioner emphasized that the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme reflects the Adeleke administration’s vision of inclusive economic development, youth and women empowerment, and grassroots prosperity.