By Ejire Folakunmi
The Osun State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has rolled out a large-scale grassroots empowerment programme targeting more than 45,000 residents across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The initiative, tagged Poverty Alleviation Scheme, is designed to provide ₦50,000 cash grants to each beneficiary as startup or support capital for small-scale businesses. According to the council chairmen’s forum, each local government will empower at least 1,500 residents under the programme.
In a statement signed by ALGON Chairman, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, the scheme was described as part of broader efforts to stimulate local economies, reduce poverty, and promote entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
He noted that the intervention is targeted at a wide demographic, including youths, women, artisans, traders, and small business owners, with the aim of strengthening livelihoods and boosting productivity in local communities.
The council leaders said the programme reflects a renewed commitment to people-focused governance, emphasizing that welfare and economic inclusion remain central to their agenda. They added that the initiative is expected to inject fresh capital into informal sectors, where many residents depend on small businesses for survival.
The empowerment rollout follows other recent interventions by local councils, including the distribution of motorcycles to support community security and road grading projects across several areas of the state.
ALGON further commended residents for their continued support, assuring that more initiatives aimed at improving living standards and expanding economic opportunities would follow.
The programme is expected to run across all local government areas in Osun State, marking one of the largest coordinated grassroots empowerment efforts in recent times within the state.
