ABEOKUTA – In a move to tackle unemployment and economic hardship, African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has empowered over 300 residents with start-up kits, training and grants.
In a statement released on Monday, Ogundipe described the weekend empowerment programme in Abeokuta as a practical demonstration of how innovation-driven initiatives can create sustainable livelihoods.
Beneficiaries drawn from the 20 local government areas received laptops, power banks, Point of Sale (POS) machines and a startup grant of N100,000 each, after undergoing training in graphic design, makeup artistry and solar installation.
Ogundipe said the initiative was designed to go beyond temporary relief by equipping participants with income-generating skills.
“We are not just giving out laptops or POS machines; we are training beneficiaries on how to use them effectively and supporting them with startup capital. The idea is to properly set them up for success,” he stated.
The ADC chieftain stressed that Ogun State cannot rely on federal allocations alone to create jobs, urging the government to embrace technology and innovation to unlock the state’s economic potential.
“With the right leadership, Ogun State can generate revenue internally, attract investment and empower its people. This empowerment programme is a demonstration of what is possible when leadership focuses on people-oriented development,” Ogundipe added.
He described the initiative as part of ADC’s commitment to alleviating hardship and changing Ogun State’s development narrative through innovation-led governance.
