Over N100 Million in Grants, Equipment Distributed by Rep. Bamidele Salam to Osun Market Women, Artisans
……Distributes Relief Materials to Vulnerable Groups
In a major empowerment initiative aimed at boosting small businesses and rural livelihoods, Representative Bamidele Salam, in collaboration with the Advertising regulatory council of Nigeria on Wednesday disbursed over ₦100 million in grants and equipment to market women and artisans across Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State.
The disbursement, which took place during the Annual General Meeting of the Àjọje Microcredit Scheme in Awo, Egbedore Local Government, marks a significant milestone in the scheme’s evolution, which began three years ago with just ₦1.5 million.
Market women and Iyalojas from the four local government areas Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo, received ₦2 million each in direct cash grants.
Additionally, empowerment items such as sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines and others were distributed to further support their business efforts.
The Àjọje scheme a grassroots microcredit initiative pioneered by Rep. Salam has grown into a ₦40 million capital base and facilitated over ₦100 million in turnover, directly supporting petty traders, artisans, and women in emergency financial need.
Speaking to the media during the Empowerment programme, Rep. Bamidele Salam said that the project began with skepticism.
According to him, “Many believed people would not repay the loans, especially with no interest charged.
But today, we have over 70% repayment compliance, proving that women are reliable, resourceful, and committed to economic growth,” Rep. Salam said.
Rep. Salam reiterated his commitment to sustaining and expanding the Àjọje scheme as a long-term tool for economic inclusion and poverty alleviation.
“This is not just a celebration. It’s a continuation of the vision to empower our women, build resilient communities, and promote self-reliance. More is still coming.
With growing capital, high compliance rates, and expanding outreach, the Àjọje Microcredit Scheme is now considered one of the most impactful grassroots empowerment programs in Osun State,” he said.
Also speaking at the Programme, Senior Legislative Aide to Rep. Salam, Akintayo Jimoh said that those items are not just gifts, they are rewards for diligence, honesty, and commitment to building better lives for themselves and their families.
Jimoh also announced that an additional ₦10 million would be injected into the Àjọje scheme between now and December 2025, citing the outstanding performance and integrity of the beneficiaries.
“The initiative drew women from various political backgrounds, reinforcing its non-partisan nature,” he said.
Alhaja Bola Olayiwola, the coordinator for Ejigbo Local Government and overall constituency coordinator of the Àjọje scheme, commended Rep. Salam for fulfilling his promises.
“This is not a PDP programme; we have both APC, PDP and other political parties women benefitting here.
“Rep. Salam listened to us, started with ₦1.5 million, expanded it to ₦5 million, and now we’re talking about ₦100 million in total impact. This is leadership,” she said.
She also challenged other politicians to emulate Rep. Salam’s inclusive and effective approach to grassroots development.
……Distributes Relief Materials to Vulnerable Groups
Earlier in the day, Rep. Bamidele Salam, in partnership with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), facilitated the distribution of essential relief materials to victims of natural disasters, displaced persons, and migrants across the federal constituency.
The relief items, which included food supplies, clothing, building materials, and others were provided as part of an ongoing humanitarian initiative aimed at offering critical support to the most vulnerable members of the community.
This intervention reflects Rep. Salam’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents and his continuous efforts to cushion the impact of displacement, economic hardship, and environmental challenges on affected individuals and families.
Rep. Salam reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that no member of the community is left behind, pledging to continue working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to bring lasting solutions and sustainable development to his constituency.
