Iyiola gives grant to 150 traders, artisans in Ibadan

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state, Alhaji Ibraheem Olayode Iyiola has disbursed over N1.5 million grant to no fewer than 150 traders and artisans in Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency, Oyo state.

Beneficiaries of the financial empowerment programme also include the aged and widows.

Speaking during the presentation of the grant on Tuesday at Anlamole Compound, Isale ‘jebu, Oja’ba, Ibadan, the state capital, Iyiola said that the financial empowerment programme was the third edition , adding that the essence of empowering his people was to complement efforts of the government and also to give back to the society.

According to him, this is one of the many programmes lined up to assist his people.

He disclosed further that his foundation – Ibraheem Iyiola Foundation (IIF) also offers Health care services, educational services, among others to the less privileged in the society; promising not to relent in his efforts to better the lives of the people around.

“This is not repayable but a grant for our traders, artisans to support their small scale businesses. One of our promises during the election was to empower our people. Regardless of what has happened, we shall continue to put smiles on the faces of our people. “We started in 2015 and this is the third one we would do in the space of four years. So its a way of giving back to the community”, he said.

Iyiola, however urged the beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the grant, assuring them of more goodies in the coming months.

Earlier in her remarks, the Oyo State APC Women leader, Mrs Mabel Williams, who was impressed with the large turnout commended the efforts of the donor.

She said, “last year, Ibraheem Iyiola was unable to secure the ticket, yet he never defected to another party like others who benefitted handsomely from the APC and later left. He keeps putting smiles on the faces of traders, artisans, party members in Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency”.

Mrs Williams maintained that the people would particularly remain grateful. She also called on the people of the federal constituency to massively support Iyiola’s future political ambition.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rasidatu Elere expressed gratitude to Alhaji Iyiola and prayed for him.

Also a trader, Mrs Wasiu Monsurat thanked him for providing a better alternative for the traders instead of seeking for loans.

The event had in attendance State Executive Council members of APC, Local Government Executives, party members in the federal constituency and community leaders. Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Hon. Bimbo Omiyale, Mogaji Surajudeen Abiola Iyiola, Alhaji Afeez Suberu among others.