Scores of Women Benefit From IleriOluwa Microfinance Empowerment Scheme in Orolu LG.

Hundreds of women in Orolu local government area of Osun State on Wednesday got cash grants to fund their small scale businesses.

A brainchild of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, the IleriOluwa Women Empowerment and Micro Finance Programme, had earlier provided grants to women in Osogbo, Olorunda and Irepodun local government areas.

Addressing beneficiaries at the event held at APC party secretariat in Orolu local government, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Olalekan Badmus who sponsored the programme, stated that the initiative is to provide support to owners of small scale businesses in the state..

Badmus, represented by the immediate-past Field Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Chief Amitolu Shittu, Badmus  noted that the funds which will be disbursed via cooperative groups, will be facelifted if judiciously used.

He also promised that the support programme will be extended to other local government areas of the state, lauding the efforts of stakeholders and party members in the area to rally more grassroots politicians into the fold.

"The IleriOluwa Women Empowerment and Micro Finance Programme is an initiative of our leader, boss and mentor, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola CON to further emancipate the people, give back to the society and encourage the growth of small scale businesses in the state.

"In the last few months, we have supported hundreds of women groups and associations with grants delineated in cooperative societies across the state to support local businesses.

"We have empowered people in Osogbo, Olorunda and Ifelodun local governments and we are going to other parts of the state. We hope this will further grow the local economy and help to sustain growth," Badmus noted.

Other speakers at the event lauded the initiative, urging beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity for the rapid growth of their business.

Some beneficiaries of the empowerment while speaking with newsmen commended the organisers, assuring that they will make good use of the support fund.

The event drew significant attendance from community leaders and political figures, including Chief Jagunmolu Amitolu Shittu, Hon. Kamil Oyedele, Hon. Taofeek Badmus Abolubode, Hon. Benson, Hon. Adelabu, Hon. Keziran Oyeladun and others signaling widespread support for the initiative.