Ojuse Bao: Gov. Oyebanji’s Bold Plan to Transform Ekiti’s Economy Through Empowerment
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Ojuse Bao program is making significant strides in creating a self-reliant and economically robust community.
This initiative, which aims to empower residents to become entrepreneurs and employers, received widespread acclaim from beneficiaries during a recent monitoring and evaluation exercise.
The Ojuse Bao program, celebrated for its non-partisan and inclusive approach, has been pivotal in bridging the gap between politics and effective governance.
Beneficiaries commend Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to supporting all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.
Take the example of Mrs. Fasooto Tosin and Mrs. Babalola Agnes, who jointly run a garri processing firm in Aisegba Ekiti. Their business faced a critical setback when their grinding machine broke down, jeopardizing production and customer trust. Struggling to save for a new machine while managing frequent repairs, they discovered the Ojuse Bao program.
To their surprise, their application for a new cassava grinding machine was swiftly approved.
This intervention not only revitalized their production but also enabled them to expand and hire additional staff.
Similarly, Miss Taiwo Olatunde, a confectionery entrepreneur, found her dreams turning into reality after receiving a cooking machine with oven and a 12kg cooking gas celinder from the program. This equipment allowed her to meet increasing client demands and scale her business with the frequent assistance by her mother and sister.
The Ojuse Bao program’s inclusive nature is exemplified by Mr. Oladapo Emmanuel, a visually impaired soap and insecticide producer from Ikere Ekiti. A grant from the program enabled him to restock and enhance his operations, bringing stability to his business and family. His story highlights the program’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Other beneficiaries, like Mrs. Blessing Tanimola, who received a cash grant for her trading business,several tailors who got industrial sewing machines and a barber who got a set of barbing equipment,all equipped with new machinery, echoed similar praises.
They all recognized the Ojuse Bao initiative as a transformative force in their lives and businesses.
From the state capital, Ado Ekiti, to various towns like Ikere and Aisegba Ekiti ,the impact of the Ojuse Bao program is clear. It is ensuring a shift from Ekiti’s traditional intellectual base to a dynamic economy driven by empowered, self-sufficient residents.
Governor Oyebanji’s vision for Ekiti State is encapsulated in the program’s goal: to leave Ekiti better than he found it. By encouraging entrepreneurship and providing critical tools and financial support, the Ojuse Bao initiative is creating sustainable pathways for economic growth and resilience.
The program’s transparent process requires beneficiaries to submit detailed requests to the Governor’s office. This ensures that resources are allocated based on genuine needs, further solidifying the program’s credibility.
Additionally, the initiative is also supported by a weekly radio program to further enhance engagement and provide updates on its progress.
Funded personally by Governor Oyebanji, the Ojuse Bao program exemplifies his dedication to assisting Ekiti’s vulnerable residents, transcending divisions of tribe, religion, and status.
As the initiative continues to expand, it stands as a model of how targeted empowerment can drive broad-based economic transformation.