The Youth Lifts Advocacy Foundation has empowered more than 100 residents of Abeokuta South Local Government Area who are engaged in various Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs), as part of its commitment to economic upliftment and grassroots development.
The empowerment programme, held in Abeokuta, on Tuesday attracted artisans, traders, and micro-business owners who received financial support aimed at strengthening their enterprises and boosting local economic activities.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Olalekan Jiboku, said the initiative was designed to address the financial challenges often faced by small business owners, many of whom struggle to sustain or expand their operations due to limited capital.
Jiboku who was represented by his aide Ridwan Adenekan noted that the foundation carefully selected beneficiaries from different Ward in Abeokuta South to ensure inclusiveness and to reach those who genuinely require support to keep their businesses running.
“Small businesses remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet many entrepreneurs lack adequate access to credit facilities.
“ The foundation’s gesture is meant to bridge this gap by providing direct cash support without bureaucratic bottlenecks”.
He added that the financial aid will not only improve the beneficiaries’ livelihoods but also stimulate local commerce, create indirect employment, and reduce economic dependency within the communities.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the intervention as timely due to the harsh economic realities confronting small business operators in the country.
Olalekan Jiboku reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth development, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment through similar programmes in the future.
He also encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to grow their businesses, stressing that the success of the initiative would motivate the foundation to expand its reach and support even more residents across Ogun State.
One of the beneficiaries, Sonde Kafayat, expressed deep appreciation for the empowerment initiative.
She described the support as timely and impactful, noting that it would help her stabilize and improve her business.
Kafayat commended the Youth Lifts Advocacy Foundation for remembering small business owners and prayed for continued success for the organisation.
Another beneficiary, Agbaje Kehinde, also applauded the gesture. He said the cash support would go a long way in boosting his business, especially at a time when many SMEs are facing financial constraints.
Kehinde thanked the foundation’s leadership for their commitment to community development and encouraged them to sustain the initiative for the benefit of more residents.
