Osun Gov Expands Start-up Grants Programme, Includes 2,000 New Beneficiaries
Written by News Desk on September 12, 2025
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expanded Osun State’s start-up grant programme to include 2,000 new beneficiaries, comprising women and young people, as part of his administration’s drive to promote inclusive economic growth.
The Governor made the announcement during the presentation of Business Registration Certificates, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, and start-up grants to beneficiaries of the Imole Business Empowerment Scheme 1.0, organised by the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment in partnership with First Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc.
Describing the initiative as a bold statement of people-centered governance, Governor Adeleke said the scheme was designed to move beyond slogans and deliver tangible empowerment to residents of the state.
According to the Governor, ₦736 million in interest-free loans has been distributed at the grassroots through ward-based cooperatives, while another ₦800 million has gone to conventional cooperative unions under the umbrella of FOSCOOP, reaching more than 10,000 members. An additional ₦50 million was also disbursed to Osun indigenes living outside the state.
Governor Adeleke also noted that persons with disabilities have benefited from empowerment schemes in partnership with Project Enable Africa, while rehabilitation works are ongoing at the Cooperative College in Ode-Omu.
Speaking on the empowerment scheme, the Governor stressed that each beneficiary will receive a CAC Business Registration Certificate, a POS terminal, and a start-up grant to enable them to begin their entrepreneurial journey.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives Development, Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe, had commended the initiative as proof of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, women’s inclusion, and youth empowerment.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity.
The event was attended by top government officials including Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff Alhaji Kazeem Akinleyei, members of the State Executive Council, and representatives of partner banks.
