Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central in the 2027 general election, has pledged ₦50 million in financial empowerment for traders and market women across the district.
Ajadi made the pledge at a meeting with traders, artisans and market association leaders in Oyo State, where he outlined plans to support small businesses, improve access to business financing and create employment opportunities for youths.
He said his decision to join politics was driven by his desire to extend his philanthropic activities to more people through effective representation, people-oriented legislation and policies that would improve livelihoods.
According to him, his legislative agenda would prioritise initiatives that empower market women, traders, artisans and young people.
Ajadi also urged market women to encourage their children to participate in politics, describing political engagement as an avenue for citizens to influence leadership decisions and promote good governance.
Speaking at the gathering, Egbeda Local Government Chairman and Oyo State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as his efforts to promote political harmony among aspirants in the state.
Sanda urged traders to look beyond candidates’ ambitions and consider how political participation could contribute to their businesses, families and communities.
He also praised the Makinde administration over security, regular payment of workers’ salaries and timely payment of pensions to retirees.
Sanda disclosed that Ajadi’s campaign committee planned to engage traders across all 11 local government areas in Oyo Central Senatorial District.
The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Asiwaju Yekini Abass Oladapo, popularly known as YK Abass, appealed to Ajadi to prioritise financial assistance for traders to help them expand their businesses.
Similarly, the President of the Ibadan Joint Traders Association, Alhaji Dauda Abiodun Oladepo, said market leaders were prepared to support APM candidates in the 2027 elections.
Other market leaders, including Stella Modupe Olabode of the Oyo State Artisans and Traders’ Network (OSATRIN) and Mrs Khadijat Ojolowo Sanusi of the Oyo State Food Canteen Association, also expressed support for the party’s candidates.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Mogaji Salaudeen Kamorudeen, President of Omo Ajorosun and Progressive Traders, Men and Artisans, appealed to political candidates to provide solar-powered lighting in markets across the state.
He said improved lighting could enable traders to extend their operating hours, improve convenience for customers and boost commercial activities.
The meeting provided a platform for traders and artisans to present their concerns, particularly regarding access to finance, business expansion and improved market infrastructure, ahead of the 2027 general election.
