The Ogun Economic Development Group (OGEDG), Yewa North Chapter, has urged residents of the local government area to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in the 2027 general elections.

The group also empowered 517 residents with cash and aprons for market women as part of efforts to alleviate economic hardship and promote grassroots development.

The programme, held at the Omidokun Ultramodern Hall, Ayetoro, brought together community leaders, political stakeholders, youths, market men and women, artisans and other residents from across Yewa North.

The event also featured sensitisation on civic responsibilities and the importance of active participation in the democratic process.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation, responsible citizenship and sustained participation in governance.

Salako urged the beneficiaries and other residents to remain actively engaged in the democratic process, noting that meaningful development required citizens to understand their civic responsibilities and participate in choosing their representatives at various levels of government.

He also encouraged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support, saying economic empowerment should translate into improved livelihoods and greater self-reliance.

The Iyaloja-General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass; Alhaji Bisiriyu Popoola; and Senator Kola Bajomo commended OGEDG for combining economic empowerment with civic sensitisation, 

calling for more interventions to support small businesses, petty traders, farmers, artisans and others whose livelihoods depend largely on informal economic activities.

The guest lecturer, Dr Yemisi Bamigbose, said grassroots development should encompass both human capital development and civic education.

“Empowerment and political sensitisation are important components of grassroots development. When people are economically empowered and properly informed about their civic responsibilities, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to society,” Bamigbose said.

Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Alice Olaleye and Alhaji Mukaila Awojobi, appreciated the organisers for the support, describing it as timely in view of the economic challenges confronting many households.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alhaji AbdulWasiu Akinyemi, said the programme was designed to strengthen grassroots participation while providing practical economic support, particularly to residents operating small businesses and in the informal sector.

He disclosed that similar programmes had previously been organised in Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Ado-Odo/Ota and Ijebu-Ode local government areas.

The organiser, Mr Lukumon Oladele, who joined the event virtually from abroad, urged the beneficiaries to see the cash support as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and expand their economic activities rather than as temporary financial relief.