The Southerners in Kogi State have announced a proposed empowerment initiative for more than 1,000 market women as part of efforts to strengthen economic participation and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The programme, tagged “South-South Traders and Market Women Empowerment Fund in Support of Ododo,” will provide grants to selected traders across the state, according to the organisers.
Unlike a loan scheme, the initiative is structured as a grant intended to provide beneficiaries with capital to expand their businesses.
Under the proposed distribution formula, 50 market women will benefit from each of Kogi State’s 21 Local Government Areas, while Lokoja is expected to have 100 beneficiaries during the pilot phase.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ododo on South-South Mobilization, Abu Michael, said the programme would give beneficiaries an opportunity to strengthen their businesses and participate in grassroots engagement.
Michael said the initiative was about combining economic empowerment with support for the administration’s policies and future political objectives.
“This is about economic empowerment with purpose,” he stated.
The Acting Secretary of Southerners in Kogi State, Kingsley Oshilim, said the programme was part of a broader effort to promote sustainable wealth creation.
The group also commended Governor Ododo over the welfare of workers, citing the reported prompt payment of salaries to civil servants and local government workers.
Michael urged Kogi residents to assess the administration based on its performance and support policies they believe are producing positive outcomes.
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The empowerment scheme, according to the organisers, is expected to promote inclusive growth, poverty reduction and grassroots participation while strengthening political mobilisation across Kogi State.
The first phase is expected to be formally launched in Lokoja by Governor Ododo in the coming weeks.