In a determined push to strengthen grassroots economic empowerment, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, has empowered 250 market traders across Egbaland through his flagship initiative, Okowo Salisu. Each beneficiary received startup support with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and fostering long-term business sustainability.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta after the event, Senator Salisu explained that the initiative is part of his broader constituency development agenda, which has previously targeted students, youths, and traditional institutions.
“This is not just about handing out money,” Salisu said. “We have designed this intervention to move our market women from the informal to the formal economy by not only providing capital but also linking them with structured financial institutions.”
Through a partnership with Lotus Bank, beneficiaries were introduced to interest-free loan opportunities, trained in basic business skills, and equipped with tools such as POS machines to drive digital transactions and reduce cash-related risks.
“We’re focused on holistic empowerment,” the senator added. “By onboarding them into the financial system, we create access to credit, facilitate business growth tracking, and drive deeper economic inclusion.”
The initiative targets traders from major markets including Kuto, Lafenwa, Olomore, Ifo, and others. To safeguard their business capital, beneficiaries also received additional financial cushioning to handle urgent personal expenses.
“Women are the backbone of our economy,” Salisu remarked. “If you empower a woman, you empower a family. My late mother was a trader—I understand firsthand the challenges they face, from lack of capital to poor financial documentation.”
He emphasized that even small withdrawals from business capital could derail an entrepreneur’s growth, hence the added financial buffer provided under the program.
The lawmaker further revealed that the Okowo Salisu scheme would be reviewed in six months. Traders who demonstrate responsible use of the funds may qualify for additional support.
“Women are known for their financial discipline. We’re optimistic that many of these beneficiaries will scale their businesses and be eligible for more robust support,” he added.
On Rising Food Prices and the Role of the Legislature
Senator Salisu also addressed ongoing economic challenges, particularly rising food prices, and reassured constituents that the National Assembly is working to mitigate the effects through legislative actions and fiscal reforms.
“The prices of essential goods, including rice, are already beginning to drop. Our economic policies are stabilizing the foreign exchange rate, and the impact is gradually being felt by the people,” he noted.
He highlighted the passage of the Tax Reform Bills, aimed at protecting low-income earners and harmonizing taxes across federal, state, and local levels to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment.
“The idea is simple: those who earn more should contribute more, while those earning below a certain threshold are given relief,” he said. “We’re also reducing tax inefficiencies that often discourage business growth.”
Lawmakers as Grassroots Leaders
Defending the visible presence of lawmakers in their constituencies, Senator Salisu noted that many citizens relate more to their National Assembly representatives than to other arms of government.
“We are not the executive, but we remain the most accessible face of government for many Nigerians,” he said. “True representation means being present, responsive, and useful. That is the burden—and the responsibility—of leadership.”
With Okowo Salisu, Senator Salisu once again positions himself as a strong advocate for economic empowerment and inclusive development at the grassroots level.
Source : Platform Times Newspaper
