Oyebanji flags off Community Investment Fund, disburses grants to women groups, others

Politics

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has flagged off the Community Investment Fund (CIF) and commenced the disbursement of grants to Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots economic development.

Oyebanji said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance and inclusive economic growth.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor said the past 48 hours had demonstrated the unity and shared vision of Ekiti people towards building a more prosperous state.

According to him, he held strategic engagements with tricycle and motorcycle operators, as well as leaders and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), private sector operators and artisans.

He said the meetings focused on sustaining industrial harmony, improving welfare and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“These are the men and women who keep Ekiti moving every day. Our discussions focused on protecting our industrial peace, improving welfare, and creating an environment where every local business can thrive,” he said.

The governor explained that the Community Investment Fund was designed to empower women at the grassroots by providing direct financial support to expand their businesses and improve household incomes.

“To back our commitment with immediate action, we flagged off and disbursed the Community Investment Fund to various Women Affinity Groups across the state,” he said.

“This financial boost goes directly into the hands of our grassroots women, giving them the economic power to scale up their businesses and support their families.”

Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to a people-first approach to governance, noting that development efforts would continue to focus on improving the welfare and livelihoods of residents.

He added that the support and cooperation received from various sectors of the state reflected public confidence in the administration’s development agenda and commitment to sustainable progress.

Newpost Africa reports that the Ekiti State governorship election is on June 20, 2026, when the voters will decide to renew Oyebanji’s mandate for a second term in office or go with the opposition. The governor is the flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).