The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has disbursed ₦100 million as business support grants to traders, artisans, and farmers across Oyo State under his “2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Programme Series.”

The event, held at the Bayo Adelabu Foundation House in Ibadan, attracted thousands of small-scale business owners, cooperative leaders, and community representatives from different parts of the state.

Adelabu, who previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the initiative aims to ease economic hardship and boost productivity among small business operators amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

“This empowerment is not politically motivated. It is my way of giving back to the society that made me who I am,” Adelabu stated. “We must continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The reforms may be tough now, but Nigerians will soon begin to see the positive results.”

According to the minister, the ₦100 million grant represents a direct intervention to strengthen grassroots enterprises, enhance self-reliance, and promote financial inclusion in rural communities. Beneficiaries received varying sums to support their trades and agricultural ventures.

Several recipients expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as a timely intervention amid rising living costs. Community leaders and trade association heads also commended Adelabu’s commitment to economic empowerment and youth development in Oyo State.

The ₦100 million initiative forms part of a broader empowerment drive by the minister to support over 10,000 small business owners across the state through targeted financial aid, vocational training, and infrastructure support in the coming year. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.