Adeleke empowers 2,000 women, youths with POS, CAC certificates, grants

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday empowered 2,000 women and youths in the state with Point of Sale (POS) terminals, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) business registration certificates, and start-up grants.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony tagged “Imole Empowerment Scheme 1.0” organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment in partnership with First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc, Adeleke said the initiative was a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to provide people with tools to create wealth, jobs, and prosperity.

He said the initiative, spread across the 30 local governments and area offices of the state, was aimed at equipping people with the skills, opportunities, and support to thrive, noting that women and youths remain the most productive segment of society.

“Each beneficiary will walk away with a CAC business registration certificate, a POS terminal, and a start-up grant to immediately begin their journey into entrepreneurship and financial independence,” Adeleke said.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to use the tools wisely, grow their businesses, and empower others, stressing that together, citizens could build a prosperous state where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr. Bayo Ogungbangbe, said that since the ministry was established in July 2023, it had championed cooperative development and grassroots empowerment across the state.

He cited interventions such as the empowerment of persons with disabilities in partnership with Project Enable Africa and Libra Philanthropies, providing funds, training, mentorship, and digital tools.

Ogungbangbe noted that the programme was not just a presentation of empowerment items but a testimony to the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and inclusive economic growth.