Hon. Akin Alabi, Member representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, has launched a ₦500 million Micro Business Support Initiative aimed at empowering 5,000 micro business owners across the constituency.
The programme was inaugurated on Thursday at the Esho Events Center, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, with the disbursement of ₦50 million to 500 beneficiaries. Each recipient received ₦100,000 as direct financial support to strengthen their businesses and improve livelihoods.
Hon. Alabi explained that the initiative is intended to stimulate grassroots economic growth, support small-scale entrepreneurs, and complement ongoing infrastructural projects across the constituency. The scheme is planned for monthly implementation over a 12-month period until the full ₦500 million is disbursed.
Speaking at the event, Alabi reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development, emphasizing that economic empowerment remains a cornerstone of sustainable community progress.
The flag-off ceremony drew key political leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, PhD, Chairman of APC Oyo Central Senatorial District; Hon. Olawale Olaleye, Chairman of APC in Egbeda Local Government; Prince Kolawole Ogundipe, Chairman of APC in Ona-Ara Local Government; Alhaji Yinka Folarin, APC leader in Ona-Ara Local Government; and Hon. Olawale Sadare, APC State Public Relations Officer.
Other dignitaries present included Hon. Bola Fawole, former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Ismaila Akanni Ere, former Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government; Alhaji Sule Suara Elegbeda, APC leader in Egbeda Local Government; Hon. Biliaminu Ogundele, APC leader in Egbeda Local Government; and Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
The initiative underscores Hon. Alabi’s strategy of combining infrastructural development with direct economic empowerment, reinforcing his commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities for small business owners in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency.
