The lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Hon Bamidele Salam on Friday launched the fourth edition of Ajoje Microcredit Scheme for women in his Constituency with N40m.
The scheme, which is aimed at boosting local businesses and in extension, was launched in Ede to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
Business onwers and female entrepreneurs in each of the four local government got N10m.
Speaking at the event the wife of Osun State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke appreciated the initiative of the Lawmaker and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.
Using the occasion of the IWD, Mrs Adeleke urged stakeholders to work closely towards ending violence against women and female genital mutilation in Osun State and Nigeria at large.
She said, “The N40m given to the women today is to boost their businesses, get more goods and make more profit which will enable them to take good care of their families. I advise them to use the money strictly for their business so as to impact positively on their lives. I commend the lawmaker for celebrating the women this way. This is fantastic.”
Addressing the women, facilitator of the programme, Salam said the Ajoje Women Micro- credit Scheme was established for the benefit of the women in the federal constituency as it makes it possible for them to get funds for their businesses and pay back without interest.
“The Ajoje grant is for 600 women but we’re extending the Ajoje micro credit for the benefit to over 5000 women across the four local governments to get loans with zero interest. This is to ensure that they get more opportunities to funds to boost their businesses.
Speaking on the involvement of women leadership, the lawmaker advocated for more policies that will enable the female get opportunities to lead and contribute to the development of the country.
“I’m an advocate of women participation in governance but I believe it’s a process and we are getting there. I am hopeful with the collaboration with the HeforShe that’s ongoing in the National Assembly, we will achieve this in no distant time. We should just ensure we’re moving.”
Cheques were presented to the representatives of the four local governments and beneficiaries expressed their gratitude towards the initiative.
The representative Nigeria Union of Teachers in Ede North Mrs Fatana Olanike commended Salam for his good works.
“This program is very good and infact I’ve never seen such in Ede north local government. This opportunity will go a long way in helping us enlarge our businesses and boost the local economy.”
The women leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in the zone, Mrs Odeniyi Bolatito commended the efforts of the lawmaker especially for his “constant consideration of people with disabilities in his programmes. He ensure we’re included in all his projects and we so much appreciate that.”
Women used the avenue to celebrate IWD and many of them went home with different gifts.
