The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has expanded the administration’s start-up grant programme with 2,000 new beneficiaries, focusing on women and youth across the state.
Speaking at the official launch of the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0, Governor Adeleke declared that the initiative represents more than a routine ceremony, describing it as a “bold statement of people-centered governance and inclusive development.”
“We are gathered here for the presentation of Business Registration Certificates, Point-of-Sale Terminals (POS), and Start-Up Grants to 2,000 women and youth beneficiaries of the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0, organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment in partnership with First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc,” the Governor said.
He highlighted the strides made under his administration in cooperative financing, recalling that in January 2024, Osun State hosted its first-ever Cooperative Summit and Awards, where a ₦1 Billion Cooperative Revolving Loan was unveiled and later increased to ₦3.45 Billion.
According to him, ₦1.586 Billion has been disbursed, reaching individuals, households, and cooperative societies within and outside the state. These include: ₦736.05 Million in interest-free loans under the Ward-Based Cooperative Initiatives, covering 389 wards and benefiting over 20,000 households, ₦800 Million to 250 cooperative unions and societies, reaching 10,233 cooperators, ₦50 Million to Osun indigenes in Abuja and Northern Nigeria.
The Governor also noted that in September 2024, his government launched the New Working Capital MSMEDF Programme, disbursed ₦250 Million MSMEDF cheques, and commenced work on the Ultra-Modern Office Complex of Osun Micro Credit Agency, Food Bank Initiative in May 2025, delivering food relief to over 3,000 residents, and upgrading of Sen. Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke College of Cooperative Studies, Ode-Omu, into a UniOsun campus, beginning academic programmes in September 2025.
Governor Adeleke stressed that the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0 marks “a turning point” in his administration’s empowerment drive, adding that “Each beneficiary will walk away today with a CAC Business Registration Certificate, a POS Terminal, and a Start-Up Grant, to immediately begin their journey into entrepreneurship and financial independence. Beyond tools and funds, this scheme is built on capacity building, so our beneficiaries can grow and expand their businesses sustainably.”
Going further, Governor Adeleke said, “By focusing on women and youth, we are investing in the most productive segment of our society. This initiative is not just about today; it is about building the future of Osun State.”
In his remark, the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives Development, Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, described the event as a testament to the administration’s vision for sustainable development, youth empowerment, and women’s inclusion. He urged beneficiaries to use the opportunity wisely and become “worthy ambassadors of this noble initiative.”
Amongst the dignitaries at the event was the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye; Yeyeluwa Modupe Adeleke-Sanni; members of the State Executive Council; and senior officials of Fidelity Bank and First Bank.
