Hundreds of market women, artisans and students in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State have benefited from a large-scale empowerment programme organised by the Eniobanke Foundation.
The initiative, led by the founder of the foundation, Mr. Quadri Ibrahim Adeniyi, popularly known as “EnioObanke,” provided financial grants and educational support to more than 200 beneficiaries, with the aim of improving livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting education at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the empowerment programme held on Friday in Abeokuta, Adeniyi said the intervention was part of his commitment to giving back to society and contributing to community development.
According to him, over 200 market women received grants of ₦100,000 each to strengthen and expand their businesses, while artisans, including tailors, painters and other skilled workers, were also empowered with financial support to enhance their trades.
In addition, 50 students were awarded ₦50,000 each as educational assistance, a support scheme Adeniyi said would be sustained every academic session. The foundation also donated computers to 10 outstanding students to encourage academic excellence and digital literacy.
“This is not the first time we are carrying out this kind of intervention. We believe that while giving alms is commendable, service to humanity is even greater. What we are doing today is our own way of touching lives and giving back to the community,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that the programme formed part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of his foundation and urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the opportunities provided.
Commenting on the state of the nation’s economy, Adeniyi expressed optimism about the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that many entrepreneurs were beginning to benefit from government policies.
“As a businessman, I can say that there is an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. There may be challenges, but many people are also making progress. I urge Nigerians to remain patient and continue to support President Tinubu because after hardship comes ease,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, commended the Eniobanke Foundation for complementing government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
“If more individuals replicate what we are witnessing here today, the impact on our communities will be enormous. Yesterday, about 200 women benefited and today another set of about 200 people have been empowered. Imagine if thousands of well-meaning Nigerians take up similar initiatives, the dividends of democracy would be felt directly by the people,” he said.
Oyegbola-Sodipo stressed that development should be people-centred and praised Adeniyi for using his success and resources to uplift others within his community.
“This is not about politics. This is about a young man who has been blessed and has decided to extend that blessing to others. That is the kind of leadership and community spirit we should encourage,” he added.
The council chairman also addressed concerns about insecurity and misinformation, urging citizens to refrain from spreading unverified reports on social media.
“Some people are recycling old videos and reports simply to attract traffic to their social media pages. While security challenges exist, spreading fake news only worsens public fear. We should support security agencies and allow them to do their work,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Abeokuta North State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Tella, described the empowerment initiative as a demonstration of gratitude, responsibility and effective leadership.
“This young man believes he has benefited from government policies and opportunities, and he has chosen to return home to share part of those benefits with his people. His late father was known for his commitment to community service and politics, and it is encouraging to see him continue that legacy,” Tella said.
The lawmaker advised beneficiaries to manage the funds prudently and uphold discipline, integrity and accountability in their businesses.
“Money alone does not guarantee success in business. What is most important is discipline, trust and integrity. If you earn less than you spend, you are already creating problems for yourself. The beneficiaries must learn how to grow this capital, manage their expenses and build sustainable businesses that can support their families and eventually help others,” he stated.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta North Local Government, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, also praised Adeniyi for sustaining the tradition of community service associated with his family.
She recalled the contributions of Adeniyi’s late father to the party and community development, noting that the empowerment programme reflected a longstanding legacy of service and philanthropy.
“I appreciate this noble gesture and I encourage all beneficiaries, especially the women, to use the money judiciously. Let it serve as capital for growth and expansion so that the impact of this intervention can be felt for years to come,” she said.
Several beneficiaries who spoke during the event expressed gratitude to the Eniobanke Foundation, describing the support as timely, impactful and capable of transforming their businesses and educational pursuits.
They pledged to invest the funds wisely, expand their businesses and make productive use of the opportunities provided through the initiative.