No fewer than 1,000 persons from Oyo South Senatorial District, on Friday, benefited from the N20 million grant, facilitated by Sen. Kola Balogun (PDP-Oyo South).
The beneficiaries received N20,000 each during an official ceremony, held in Ibadan to commemorate the disbursement of the grant.
The lawmaker facilitated the grant through the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Balogun urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money, assuring that all he had done was just a tip of the iceberg.
“We succeeded in mobilising over N200 million into the district and a lot of people benefitted from it. My message is that they should make judicious use of the money. They should use it to support their businesses,” he said.
Balogun said the programme was not the first he would facilitate for his constituents, promising not to rest on his laurel.
He said he had also empowered youths and women through the value addition programme of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.
“We have had SMEDAN supporting revolving SME loans for a lot of associations and corporations. Not too long ago, we succeeded in capturing 400 people who are now getting money.
“I have also succeeded in getting employment for some people. In addition to that, we also have been doing physical projects. We have given transformers to about 12 communities. We sank boreholes and renovated some schools,” he said.
In his remarks, a PDP Chieftain, Mr Niran Adeyoju, lauded the senator for his good works, praying that God would strengthen him to do more.
“Few days ago, something like this also happened, where many people smiled home. To the glory of God, all the markets in Oyo South senatorial district are here present and they are all happy. He has facilitated loans to cushion the effect of COVID-19 for all and sundry in his senatorial district.
“The senator has been trying his best to make sure that he reaches out to the downtrodden, to make life better for them. He has been trying to make sure that all his promises during the campaign are met,” he said.
The beneficiaries lauded the lawmaker for the gesture, pledging their unflinching support for him.
