Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, has pledged ₦50 million in financial empowerment for traders and market women across Oyo central, alongside plans to improve access to business support and create job opportunities for youths ahead 2027 election.
Ajadi gave the assurance at a gathering of traders and artisans in Oyo State, where leaders of various market associations pledged their support for APM candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
The senatorial candidate said his decision to venture into politics was driven by his desire to extend his philanthropic activities to a wider segment of society through effective representation, people-oriented legislation and policies capable of improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“I am a philanthropist, but I want empowerment to reach more people. That is one of the reasons I joined politics. Through good lawmaking and motions that address the needs of the people, we can create opportunities for our youths, market women, traders and other members of the electorate,” Ajadi said.
He assured the traders that job opportunities would be created for young people, adding that his legislative agenda would prioritise initiatives capable of improving livelihoods and supporting small businesses.
Ajadi also encouraged market women to motivate their children to participate actively in politics, stressing that political participation remained an important avenue for citizens to influence leadership decisions and promote good governance.
He further disclosed his intention to provide financial support worth fifty million naira (₦50,000,000) to traders and market women as part of efforts to strengthen their businesses and improve their economic circumstances.
Responding to the traders’ requests, Ajadi acknowledged the importance of accessible financing for small-scale businesses and indicated his readiness to work towards support mechanisms that would enable traders to expand their commercial activities.
The traders specifically appealed for empowerment programmes, which they said would help market operators manage their businesses more profitably.
Sanda Praises Makinde, Urges Traders to Support APM
Speaking at the gathering, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State and Director-General of Ajadi’s campaign committee, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as his role in promoting political understanding and harmony among aspirants.
Sanda called for recognition of Makinde as a leading figure in political settlement in the state, arguing that the arrangements that accommodated different aspirants had helped reduce disagreements within the political camp.
According to him, the ability to accommodate political interests and assign responsibilities without persistent hostility among aspirants was an important factor in building a united political platform.
He urged traders to understand that electoral participation should not be viewed solely as an exercise intended to benefit candidates seeking political offices, but also as an opportunity for voters to pursue their own welfare and the overall development of society.
“The electoral process is not only about the candidates. It is also about the progress and well-being of the electorate. The people must look at what political participation can bring to their businesses, families and communities,” Sanda said.
The ALGON chairman also praised the Makinde administration over security in Oyo State, regular payment of civil servants’ salaries and the timely payment of pensions to retired workers.
He maintained that the state government’s approach to workers’ welfare had contributed to economic stability for many families, while urging the traders to consider the broader implications of governance when making their electoral choices.
Sanda further disclosed that Ajadi’s campaign committee had resolved to ensure that traders in all the 11 local government areas making up Oyo Central Senatorial District would be recognised and engaged during campaign activities.
He said the plan was intended to make the campaign more inclusive by ensuring that market women, artisans and other traders could express their concerns and communicate their needs directly to the candidate.
YK Abass Seeks Financial Support for Traders
The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo, popularly known as YK Abass, expressed appreciation to the participants at the gathering, particularly the presidents and representatives of the various traders’ associations who attended.
Abass, who said he was elected to the position by Governor Seyi Makinde, appealed to Ajadi to support traders in different areas, particularly through financial assistance.
The traders’ leader also welcomed the opportunity for market associations to engage political candidates on issues affecting their members, describing financial empowerment as an important requirement for improving the welfare of traders across the state.
His appeal highlighted the need for political representatives to consider the challenges faced by small businesses, including limited access to affordable credit, rising operating costs and the difficulties of expanding businesses with inadequate capital.
Market Leaders Declare Support for APM Candidates
Earlier, Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo, President of the Ibadan Joint Traders Association, conveyed greetings to the APM candidates in Oyo State, particularly Ajadi, whom he described as the party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo Central.
Speaking on behalf of the traders’ leadership, Oladepo said the gathering was intended to communicate the associations’ position and assure the candidates of their members’ support.
He expressed confidence that the APM candidates would perform well in the 2027 elections, adding that the traders were prepared to use their voting rights to support candidates they believed could advance their interests.
“The purpose of this gathering is to assure all our APM candidates that the traders are with them. We believe that all the candidates will win,” Oladepo said.
Stella Modupe Olabode, President of the Oyo State Artisans and Traders’ Network (OSATRIN), also expressed optimism about the electoral prospects of the APM candidates.
She prayed for the success of the traders and the candidates, urging members of the associations to remain united and committed to their collective objectives.
OSATRIN is among the recognised trade and artisan unions operating under the Amalgamation of Oyo Market Traders and Artisans.
Similarly, Mrs. Khadijat Ojolowo Sanusi, President of the Oyo State Food Canteen Association, said the gathering represented the beginning of a process that the traders hoped would culminate in a thanksgiving celebration following the candidates’ anticipated electoral victory.
She stressed that traders were not necessarily politicians but were electorates whose votes could determine the outcome of elections.
According to her, the associations were prepared to exercise their franchise in support of the APM candidates.
Alhaji Mogaji Salaudeen Kamorudeen, President of Omo Ajorosun and Progressive Traders, Men and Artisans, called on the candidates to pay greater attention to the needs of traders and market operators.
He specifically appealed for the provision of solar-powered lighting in markets across Oyo State, explaining that improved lighting could enable traders to extend their operating hours and potentially support commercial activities beyond the usual daytime schedule.
Kamorudeen said access to reliable lighting could help markets operate for longer periods, improve convenience for traders and customers, and create additional opportunities for economic activities.
He urged political leaders to consider the request as part of a broader plan to improve market infrastructure and strengthen the state’s commercial sector.
Other recognised market leaders in attendance included Babaloja (Eleso) Kamardeen Olaosebikan, Alabi Olalekan, Chairman of the Nylon Cutters Association, Alhaja Sonde Saudat and Alhaji Eniola Mutalubi, the Babaloja for Food in Oyo State.
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