Ajadi pledges ₦50m empowerment for Oyo Central traders, promises jobs for youths

Ajadi gave the assurance at a gathering of traders and artisans in Oyo State, where leaders of various market associations pledged their support for APM candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

The senatorial candidate said his decision to venture into politics was driven by his desire to extend his philanthropic activities to a wider segment of society through effective representation, people-oriented legislation and policies capable of improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“I am a philanthropist, but I want empowerment to reach more people. That is one of the reasons I joined politics. Through good lawmaking and motions that address the needs of the people, we can create opportunities for our youths, market women, traders and other members of the electorate,” Ajadi said.

He assured the traders that job opportunities would be created for young people, adding that his legislative agenda would prioritise initiatives capable of improving livelihoods and supporting small businesses.

Ajadi also encouraged market women to motivate their children to participate actively in politics, stressing that political participation remained an important avenue for citizens to influence leadership decisions and promote good governance.

He further disclosed his intention to provide financial support worth fifty million naira (₦50,000,000) to traders and market women as part of efforts to strengthen their businesses and improve their economic circumstances.

Responding to the traders’ requests, Ajadi acknowledged the importance of accessible financing for small-scale businesses and indicated his readiness to work towards support mechanisms that would enable traders to expand their commercial activities.

The traders specifically appealed for empowerment programmes, which they said would help market operators manage their businesses more profitably.

Sanda Praises Makinde, Urges Traders to Support APM
Speaking at the gathering, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State and Director-General of Ajadi’s campaign committee, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as his role in promoting political understanding and harmony among aspirants.

Sanda called for recognition of Makinde as a leading figure in political settlement in the state, arguing that the arrangements that accommodated different aspirants had helped reduce disagreements within the political camp.

According to him, the ability to accommodate political interests and assign responsibilities without persistent hostility among aspirants was an important factor in building a united political platform.

He urged traders to understand that electoral participation should not be viewed solely as an exercise intended to benefit candidates seeking political offices, but also as an opportunity for voters to pursue their own welfare and the overall development of society.

“The electoral process is not only about the candidates. It is also about the progress and well-being of the electorate. The people must look at what political participation can bring to their businesses, families and communities,” Sanda said.

The ALGON chairman also praised the Makinde administration over security in Oyo State, regular payment of civil servants’ salaries and the timely payment of pensions to retired workers.

He maintained that the state government’s approach to workers’ welfare had contributed to economic stability for many families, while urging the traders to consider the broader implications of governance when making their electoral choices.

Sanda further disclosed that Ajadi’s campaign committee had resolved to ensure that traders in all the 11 local government areas making up Oyo Central Senatorial District would be recognised and engaged during campaign activities.

He said the plan was intended to make the campaign more inclusive by ensuring that market women, artisans and other traders could express their concerns and communicate their needs directly to the candidate.

YK Abass Seeks Financial Support for Traders
The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo, popularly known as YK Abass, expressed appreciation to the participants at the gathering, particularly the presidents and representatives of the various traders’ associations who attended.