The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has announced the launch of a large-scale empowerment and economic support programme to mark his 55th birthday.
Implemented through the Bayo Adelabu Foundation (BAF), the initiative continues his annual tradition of giving back to society the but will be broader and more impactful than previous editions, according to a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr. Bolaji Tunji.
According to Tunji, this year’s programme is conceived as an expression of gratitude to the people of Oyo State and well-wishers nationwide, following the overwhelming goodwill, prayers, and congratulatory messages the minister received on his birthday.
Adelabu said that the initiative as a way of thanking Almighty Allah for His guidance, protection, and blessings in his personal and professional journey.
Adelabu expressed deep appreciation for the support he has enjoyed, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. He emphasised that the empowerment programme reflects his unwavering commitment to giving back, investing in the people, and supporting the socio-economic growth of the state in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
‘The love shown to me has reinforced my dedication to our shared vision of a prosperous Oyo State. This empowerment programme is a sincere token of my appreciation, designed to provide tangible support and create opportunities for sustainable growth for the very pillars of our society’, Adelabu said.
The statement stated that the Mega Empowerment and Economic Support Programme would be implemented in weekly phases to ensure orderliness and meaningful engagement.
Beneficiaries would cut across diverse groups, including market women, traders, artisans, farmers, students, widows, orphanages, and persons with disabilities. Faith-based communities such as the Muslim community, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and traditional worshippers will also be included.
The programme would also extend to key political structures and support networks, including women, youths, leaders, and voluntary support groups of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
Provisions have also been made for major ethnic communities, theatre practitioners, as well as journalists in print, broadcast, and digital media. The APC media team and Adelabu support groups are also among the beneficiaries.
The empowerment packages would be tailored to meet specific needs, ranging from business grants and modern tools to educational scholarships, mobility aids, group resource support, and cost-of-living relief for vulnerable households.
Details regarding the schedule and distribution modalities would be communicated to beneficiaries and the public through official channels in the coming days.
Adelabu reaffirmed his commitment to the progress of the state and thanked the people for their unwavering belief in his mission.
