Balqees Adeniji
In a bold move to bolster grassroots economic empowerment, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, has disbursed N100,000 each to 250 market traders drawn from across Egbaland, with an emphasis on financial inclusion and long-term business sustainability.
Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta after the event, Senator Salisu described the initiative as part of his ongoing constituency empowerment programme, which he said has already benefited students, youths, and traditional institutions in Ogun Central.
“This is not just about handing out money,” Salisu stated. “We have deliberately designed this intervention to move our market women from the informal to the formal economy by not only providing capital but also onboarding them into the financial system with the support of partnering financial institutions.”
The lawmaker noted that the programme goes beyond one-time cash support. Beneficiaries were also introduced to financial institutions, taught basic business development strategies, and equipped with tools such as POS machines to enhance digital transactions and reduce risks like cash theft.
“We are focused on a holistic empowerment strategy. By transitioning them into formal systems, we unlock opportunities like access to loans, better tracking of business growth, and stronger economic inclusion,” he said.
The initiative, branded ‘Okowo Salisu’, aims to empower traders from key markets including Kuto, Lafenwa, Olomore, and Ifo, among others.
In addition to the N100,000 capital provided to each beneficiary, Salisu said traders received extra support to cushion immediate expenses and ensure their startup funds remain intact.
“Women are the backbone of the economy. If you empower a woman, you empower a family. My own mother was a trader, so I understand their challenges — lack of capital and poor documentation being the biggest hurdles.
“If a business needs ₦50,000 and the woman spends ₦2,000 from that same money, the business is already at a disadvantage. That’s why we provided extra to cushion such problems,” he explained.”
Salisu revealed that the intervention would be reviewed in six months, with prospects for further support to traders who successfully utilize the funds.
“Women have a reputation for financial discipline. We expect many of them to grow their businesses and qualify for another round of support.”
… On Rising Food Prices and Legislative Role
Addressing the current economic hardship and rising food prices, Senator Salisu said the National Assembly is actively working to cushion the effects through fiscal reforms and policy support for the executive.
“Prices of some commodities, including rice, are already coming down. Our economic reforms are beginning to yield results, and the foreign exchange rate has stabilised significantly compared to this time last year,” he noted.
Salisu cited the recent passage of the Tax Reform Bills, which he said provide exemptions for low-income earners and harmonise federal, state, and local levies to make the business environment more predictable and investor-friendly.
“The reforms aim to ensure that those who earn more contribute more, while those earning below a set threshold get relief. We’re also harmonising taxes to reduce bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the system,” he added.
… Lawmakers As Grassroots Leaders
Salisu defended the active presence of lawmakers in their constituencies, noting that for many citizens, National Assembly members are the most accessible representation of government.
“We are not the executive arm, but we feel the pulse of our people. We must be present, responsive, and helpful. That is the burden of true representation,” he said.
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