In its efforts to alleviate poverty in the grassroots Osun State Government on Thursday distributed N50,000 cash grant to 2000 beneficiaries under Imole Cash Grant initiative.
The distribution program was facilitated by the Ministry of Coperative and Empowerment, held at the Centre for Art and Black Culture main hall in Osogbo, the state capital.
While speaking, Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperative, Hon. Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, said Governor Ademola Adeleke has continued to fulfil his promise of lifting residents out of poverty and promoting self-reliance among the people.
“The governor has fulfilled his promise by lifting as many people as possible out of poverty. He wants many of us to be able to stand on our own.
“About a month ago, we gathered about 2,000 beneficiaries who were given POS machines and start up grants. Today, another 2,000 are going home with N50,000 each. The next batch will come up very soon”, he stated.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, noting that the governor’s intention is for them to inject the money into their businesses to foster economic growth.
“My advice for the beneficiaries is to use the money judiciously. The governor wants them to invest the grant into their businesses, not for something else,” he added.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen expressed gratitude to the state government for the support, describing the initiative as timely.
One of them, Olawumi Kehinde, said, “We appreciate His Excellency for this initiative and his efforts to support small business owners. We are expecting him for a second term, may God give him victory.”
Fakowaje Emmanuel, a barber, said the grant would help him expand his business.
“I’m glad to be among the beneficiaries. I will use the N50,000 to get more tools for my shop”.
