Governor ‘Seyi Makinnde of Oyo State has announced an ambitious plan to uplift four million households in the state before the conclusion of his tenure in a bold commitment to enhance micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

This initiative, according to him, is part of a broader strategy to further enhance the living conditions of the state’s most vulnerable populations before 2027.

The programme tagged, “Oyo State Poverty Alleviation Grants (O’PAG), was unveiled on Thursday at a ceremony held at the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Meanwhile, the governor supported no fewer than 500 vulnerable individuals that were selected across all the geo-political zones of the state with a total sum of fifty million naira (N50,000,000) grant.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in the state, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, before the symbolic presentation of cheques to the 500 beneficiaries who were the first batch of the programme, noted that the state government is committed to promoting economic independence among women and other vulnerable persons living in the state.

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Mrs Balogun maintained that Governor Makinde had promised to lift no fewer than five million households from poverty to prosperity before the end of his tenure in office.

The commissioner hinted that the empowerment programme was an extension of the Social Protection and Safety Nets interventions of Seyi Makinde led government, through cash grants targeted towards the vulnerable populations in the state, particularly those who have indicated their pressing needs through the office of the commissioner.

Balogun added that the grants are intended to provide succour by enabling applicants to start micro and nano businesses, meet basic needs and eventually assist them to rise out of the ranks of penury and destitution , especially during times of crisis or personal hardship.

She disclosed further that in the weeks and months ahead, the government of Governor Makinde through the platform of the ministry of Women Affairs will be coming up with various programmes and interventions involving vocational training and skills acquisition programmes to effectively and sustainably empower women and all other vulnerable demographics in the state.

While also stressing on the need for financial literacy as a key to unlocking long-term success, she emphasized the need to ensure that women and other vulnerable demographics have the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions whether to start a business, invest, or save for the future.

Balogun said: “Recognising the importance of inclusivity which is part of the core mandates of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion,the government of Governor Seyi Makinde will through our Ministry continue to ensure that the broad spectrum of the indigents in our society including women, women with multiple live births, children, the elderly and People with Disabilities (PWDs) are supported to transit from poverty to self-sustenance and then on to prosperity.”

“Consequently, today we observed that all these different demographics formed an integral part of the beneficiaries of today’s Social Safety Net Intervention by the Governor Seyi Makinde led Administration through this Ministry.”

“This intervention is targeted specifically towards those who requested for financial assistance from the office of the Commissioner for Women Affairs in line with the ministry’s target to lift a minimum of 4 million indigent family units from poverty to self-sustenance and prosperity through various interventions within the timeline of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government in line with the Omituntun 2:0 Agenda of His Excellency.”

“Financial assistance programmes, grants, microloans, and other forms of support transcend beyond providing money. They are about providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and confidence the vulnerable among us, women inclusive, needed to break away from circle of poverty and dependency.”

“Premised upon the foregoing, the state government will not leave any stone unturned to pave pathways and create sustainable access for our citizens to unbundle the financial constraints to the pursuance of their life aspirations.”

“The ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion under my watch would continue to maximize the programmes, interventions and innovations that speak to social and inclusive development. We are committed to the principle of leaving no one behind.”

“When citizens are financially empowered, they can invest in their futures, their families, and their communities. It is not an over statement that when people have access to finance, they are more likely to invest in their children’s education and healthcare, and consequently towards breaking the chains of generational poverty.”

“Financial assistance is only one part of the equation, education and mentorship play an equally crucial role. It’s not just about having access to funds but knowing how to manage them effectively.”

“Let me reiterate for the upteenth time, financial assistance is not just about providing money. It also reinforces pathways for economic growth, opportunities for leadership, and the freedom to live on your terms.”

“Let us continue to work together and ensure that every citizen of our state, especially the indigent and vulnerable among us have access to the financial resources needed to reach our full potential,” the commissioner said.