Ekiti Poll: Governor’s Aide Empowers 50 Ijero Traders, Rallies Support for Oyebanji

Barely days to the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Special Adviser, Princess Adetoun Agboola, has empowered 50 small business owners and vulnerable residents in Ijero Local Government Area with Point of Sale (POS) machines, startup funds and cash grants, while urging residents to remain united behind the governor’s re-election bid.

The empowerment programme, held in Ward A, Ijero-Ekiti, attracted party leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups and residents, many of whom described the intervention as a timely boost for struggling small-scale entrepreneurs.

Twenty-two beneficiaries received POS machines alongside operational cash support to enable them begin agency banking businesses, while another 28 residents got direct financial grants to expand their existing enterprises.

Princess Agboola also extended support beyond party members by distributing clothing materials to non-members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the community. Female youths, male youths and elders’ groups present at the event equally received N50,000 each to support their activities.

Addressing attendees, the governor’s aide linked the empowerment initiative to the Oyebanji administration’s commitment to inclusive development and economic growth at the grassroots.

She noted that Ijero Local Government had benefited significantly from appointments into strategic positions across government and urged residents to reciprocate by supporting the governor’s second-term ambition.

“Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji remains a symbol of peace and unity within our party and across the state. As we approach the June 20 election, we must remain united and work together to deliver overwhelming support for his re-election,” she said.

Princess Agboola called on voters in Ward A and across Ijero to turn out in large numbers on election day, expressing confidence that the area would contribute substantially to the vote target set for the governor.

The event also drew commendations from APC leaders and political stakeholders, who praised the Special Adviser for what they described as consistent efforts to improve the welfare of residents.

The APC Chairman for Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Jekoyemi Raphael Bankole, said Princess Agboola had justified the confidence reposed in her by Governor Oyebanji through her contributions to community development and youth empowerment.

“When government appoints you into office, the real test is how much impact you make on the lives of your people. Princess Adetoun has continued to demonstrate that commitment through programmes like this,” Mr Bankole said.

He also commended her for facilitating employment opportunities for indigenes of Ijero and for maintaining strong engagement with community groups, religious bodies and non-political stakeholders.

Other speakers, including Ward A Chairman Kole Ogunleye, Ijero Local Government Vice Chairman Bose Jalo and former council chairman Adeola Adeyemo, described the intervention as another example of the governor’s grassroots development agenda reaching local communities through dedicated public office holders.

They noted that Princess Agboola had consistently used her position to attract opportunities and support for residents across Ijero Local Government, regardless of political affiliation.

Community leaders, artisans and youth representatives who attended the programme pledged their support for Governor Oyebanji’s re-election and expressed optimism about the continuity of ongoing development projects across the state.