Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, has supported more than 150 poor people in the state to start their own businesses and become self-sufficient.
The governor, through his Ojuse Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji Initiative, has restated his commitment to improving the lives of Ekiti people, fighting poverty, and creating a fairer and more equal society.
Oyebanji, represented by Mrs Sola Abe, his Senior Special Assistant, made this known in Ado Ekiti on Friday during the first anniversary of the Ojuse BAO Initiative, which saw 56 poor residents receiving support to transform their lives.
As part of the monthly empowerment program, the poor and needy in the 16 local government areas are encouraged to write to the governor about their needs, which Oyebanji, through the appropriate channels, will carefully assess for authenticity.
Abe mentioned, “We have more than 150 beneficiaries in total. This month, 56 individuals benefited. Among them are students, start-ups, and those in need of tools for trading.
The governor’s aide noted that requests for December 2023 and January 2024 will be addressed in the next month’s edition and urged potential beneficiaries to be patient, stating, “We have a large number of requests and we are handling them diligently.
“Governor Oyebanji has effectively reduced poverty in the land and is committed to transforming more lives. Apart from other aid provided by different government sectors in the state, this initiative, which has been ongoing for a year, is his own,” Abe explained.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, praised Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering dedication to helping the vulnerable members of society through the monthly empowerment program and advised beneficiaries to make good use of the tools and equipment received.
The commissioner described the initiative as “proof of Governor Oyebanji’s steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate and creating a better future for all Ekiti State residents.”
The Director General, Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso-Omotoso, informed the beneficiaries that this initiative is not a national benefit, but an opportunity for development. It is funded from the governor’s salary.
The 56 beneficiaries for the March edition included poor students who couldn't pay their school fees, artisans looking to start their trades and businesses, and people in need of equipment for their businesses. They had written to the governor about their difficulties, which were addressed under the initiative.
In December last year, the Ojuse BAO Initiative distributed N20m in cash and working equipment, such as sewing machines, salon gadgets, and refrigerators, to 48 beneficiaries to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
Over the past year, the monthly Ojuse BAO Initiative has made a difference in people's lives, including providing a cassava grinding machine to Mr Owolabi Babatunde to improve his business and the lives of his employees. Testimonials from beneficiaries over the months show that the initiative is having a positive impact.
