Hon. Olanrewaju Oladapo Sotunde, the Councillor representing Ward 1 in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, has donated cash gifts to support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) within his constituency. The intervention was aimed at strengthening local businesses and improving the economic wellbeing of residents.
The empowerment programme took place on Monday in Ward 1, which comprises Ikereku, Ilawo, Idomapa and Ago Odo communities. Beneficiaries were selected from different parts of the ward, with a focus on traders, artisans and small business owners struggling to expand their businesses.
Speaking during the programme , Hon. Sotunde explained that the initiative was part of his commitment to grassroots economic development and inclusive governance. He noted that supporting small businesses remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods at the community level.
“This part of my commitment to grassroots economic development and inclusive governance. This way to give back to my people.
“Supporting small businesses remains one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and create sustainable livelihoods at the community level.
“ The cash gifts were designed to serve as seed capital to help beneficiaries restock goods, improve services and stabilize their businesses amid prevailing economic challenges”.
He assured residents that more empowerment programmes would be rolled out in the future.
Hon. Sotunde also emphasized that his office would continue to prioritize people-oriented projects that directly impact the lives of constituents across Ward 1.
He encouraged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds to grow their ventures and become self-reliant.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Modinat Olayiwola expressed gratitude to the councillor for the gesture.
She described the support as timely, stating that it would help her strengthen her small business and meet daily financial obligations.
Olayiwola further commended Hon. Sotunde for remembering grassroots traders and artisans, noting that such interventions inspire confidence in leadership and motivate residents to support community development efforts.
Another beneficiary, Mr. Ramoni Sodipe also thanked the councillor for the cash assistance. He said the donation would go a long way in expanding his business operations and cushioning the effects of rising costs.
Sodipe added that the councillor’s initiative demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of constituents and urged other political leaders to emulate the gesture by supporting small businesses within their domains.
