The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Friday distributed N100 million in business support grants to traders, artisans, and farmers across Oyo State.

The event, titled ‘2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Programme Series,’ took place at the Bayo Adelabu Foundation House in Ibadan, the state capital.

Adelabu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a governorship hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the initiative was designed to ease the economic burden on residents and boost small-scale enterprises in the state.

He explained that the programme formed part of his ongoing commitment to empower entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth at the grassroots level.

According to him, the empowerment initiative was not politically driven but a gesture of appreciation and service to humanity.

“This empowerment is not about politics. I am only thanking God for His mercy by giving back to society,” he stated.

Acknowledging the economic difficulties many Nigerians are facing, Adelabu called for targeted measures to assist traders, artisans, and farmers affected by inflation and rising living costs.

He also encouraged citizens to stay optimistic and continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, assuring that current reforms would soon bring tangible relief.

“President Tinubu is God-sent to Nigeria. Though things are tough now, Nigerians will soon reap the gains of their sacrifices,” he added.

A guest speaker at the event, financial expert Mr. Olutayo Akinleye, praised the minister’s initiative, describing it as a major contribution to economic growth and entrepreneurship development.

He advised the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the grants and avoid wasteful spending.

The beneficiaries, in turn, expressed their gratitude to the minister, saying the financial aid would help strengthen their businesses and improve their standard of living.