Adeleke Gains momentum as Traders And Market Unions Benefit From Empowerment Scheme

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday secured fresh support for his re-election campaign as traders, artisans, and market unions under the Peoples First Movement endorsed him at a rally in Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

The endorsement strengthens his chances in the August 8, 2026 governorship election, coming after earlier backing from civil servants, farmers, and the state PDP caucus.

Addressing the crowd, Adeleke urged residents to prepare for the polls by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards, stressing that the continuation of his programmes depended on voter participation.

The Peoples First Movement Coordinator, Luqman Ayoade, commended Adeleke for delivering projects such as road dualisation and flyovers despite financial constraints, describing his leadership as people-driven.

Alongside the rally, Adeleke launched a new round of his administration’s Imole Business Empowerment Scheme, giving 2,000 women and youths Business Registration Certificates, Point-of-Sale machines, and start-up grants. The initiative, run with First Bank and Fidelity Bank, aims to reduce unemployment and promote small businesses across the state.

The governor explained that the scheme builds on previous interventions, including the Cooperative Revolving Loan first launched in January 2024 with ₦1bn and later expanded to ₦3.45bn. According to him, more than 20,000 households and over 10,000 cooperative members have already benefitted from the loan programme.

Since taking office in November 2022, Adeleke has introduced several empowerment and welfare schemes. These include the ₦250m MSMEDF Working Capital cheques disbursed in 2024 and the May 2025 Food Bank Initiative, which reached more than 3,000 households. His administration also plans to upgrade the Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke College of Cooperative Studies, Ode-Omu, into a campus of Osun State University focused on cooperative and management studies, with academic activities scheduled to begin in September 2025.

Commissioner for Empowerment and Cooperatives Development, Bayo Ogungbangbe, advised beneficiaries to use the new scheme responsibly, stressing that it was designed to create sustainable wealth and strengthen the state economy.

With growing endorsements from diverse groups, Adeleke’s re-election momentum continues to build as the 2026 polls draw nearer.