Aregbesola To Commission Projects In Osun

Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will on Saturday, January 11 preside over the commissioning of solar streetlights, reconstructed shops as well as provision of business grants and loans to artisans and traders at major markets in Osogbo, Ilare Ijesa and Ilesa metropolis of Osun State.

The 3-in-1 programme facilitated by the Agboluaje Kajola Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation and group of philanthropists, is geared towards eradicating poverty and complement efforts at strengthening local businesses in the state.

Speaking with newsmen, Team Leader of the foundation, Dr Akeem Bakare, said the programme, which is one out of the series of its poverty alleviation drive over the years, is to further empower local traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs, and to boost economic development in the state.

He reiterated the commitment of the founders and Chairman of the organisation, Engr. (Dr.) Kayode Adegbulugbe and vice Chairman, Asiwaju Olusegun Akintade to the emancipation of the needy.

“Over the years, we have shown commitment to disbursing interest-free loans and grants to emancipate the people. We are not interested in politics but community development.

“Many of us were born by artisans who invested hugely in our education with the little they made from their business ventures. That is the more reason why we are daily showing commitment to building on the legacy of empowerment and emancipating people.

“This time around, the train of empowerment and grants is extending more to Ilare Ijesa and Ilesa, not forgetting Osogbo where the dream all started. We are inspired by the legacy of service to the people which our patron, Ogbeni Aregbesola symbolises.

“We will commission solar streetlights in major markets, open some of the shops we have reconstructed and give hope to the people. We want to do more for the people and we will continue to follow this thread.”

Since its inception, the Agboluaje Kajola Foundation has disbursed close to a billion naira in support, empowerment and provision of interest free loans to cooperative societies to make life more meaningful for artisans, market men and women across Nigeria’s South West region.