The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has disbursed ₦250 million under its Ilé Owó Interest-Free Loan Scheme and distributed nine JAKO Care Mini Buses to beneficiaries across its nine wards as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses and create employment opportunities.
The empowerment initiatives were unveiled on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Council Secretariat, with one mini bus allocated to a beneficiary in each of the nine wards.
The event was attended by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande; Vice Chairman, Hon. Niyi Awodogan; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Mujeeb Daramola; Leader of the House, Hon. Olamilekan Adeyi; councillors, supervisors, management staff, community leaders, religious representatives and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Jakande described the initiatives as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, improved livelihoods and inclusive development.
He explained that the Ilé Owó Interest-Free Loan Scheme was designed to provide residents with accessible business capital without the burden of interest payments, thereby enabling entrepreneurs to sustain, strengthen and expand their businesses.
The Chairman added that the JAKO Care Mini Bus initiative was introduced to create sustainable economic opportunities for beneficiaries while improving transportation and mobility within the LCDA.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunities, manage their businesses effectively and maintain the vehicles in good condition. He also emphasised the need for timely loan repayments to sustain the revolving scheme and enable more residents to benefit.
In his remarks, the Council Treasurer, Mr. Mujitaba Rufai, disclosed that beneficiaries of the Ilé Owó scheme were subjected to a screening process to assess their businesses and eligibility.
He explained that the Council’s partnership with Anchor Microfinance Bank would facilitate effective monitoring of the funds and ensure a convenient repayment process, while maintaining the interest-free arrangement.
Speaking on behalf of the financial institution, its Managing Director, Mr. Abayomi Kunle, explained that applicants’ banking histories and credit records were among the considerations in determining their eligibility for the loan scheme.
Also speaking, the Head of Agriculture, Mr. Ibrahim Ogunbadejo, described the JAKO Care Bus initiative as an intervention aimed at empowering residents in the transport sector, improving their income and promoting employment generation.
He charged the beneficiaries to operate the vehicles responsibly and ensure proper maintenance for long-term benefits.
The Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Mujeeb Daramola, also addressed the beneficiaries, while the Head of WAPA delivered the opening remarks.
Some of the bus beneficiaries, including Olubi Olufunmilayo, Tajudeen, Afolabi Gbenga Samuel, Zakius Morenikeji Adelakun, Sulaiman Fasasi, Sanni Jabar, Saheed Adegoke and Akinwale Obawumi, expressed gratitude to the Council for the intervention, describing it as a significant opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
The programme climaxed with a vote of thanks delivered by the Supervisor for WAPA, followed by the formal presentation of the buses to the beneficiaries.
The disbursement of the ₦250 million Ilé Owó Interest-Free Loan and distribution of nine JAKO Care Mini Buses underscore the Jakande-led administration’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment, enterprise development and improved living standards across the nine wards of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.
