Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has donated N15 million to market women across Ogun Central Senatorial District as part of the ongoing OKOWO SALISU empowerment programme aimed at strengthening small businesses and improving livelihoods.

Salisu, who represents Ogun Central in the National Assembly, announced the intervention during an engagement with market women leaders at the office of the Iyaloja of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Abeke Oloyede, in Asero, Abeokuta.

The meeting was attended by Iyalojas and Babalojas from various local government areas in the senatorial district, providing an opportunity for the senator to interact with traders at the grassroots and hear their concerns.

Speaking at the event, Salisu said the intervention was part of his commitment to ensuring that his representation had a direct and positive impact on constituents.

He said: “I am here today not simply to make a donation, but to stand with our market women and acknowledge the important role they play in our communities. When we strengthen our women, we strengthen our families, our markets and the entire local economy of Ogun Central.”

The senator recalled that the OKOWO SALISU programme had previously provided N100,000 each to beneficiaries across Ogun Central in December 2025 to help them strengthen their businesses and improve their economic wellbeing.

According to him, the latest N15 million intervention demonstrates that the initiative is not a one-off gesture but part of a sustained effort to support constituents.

“OKOWO SALISU was born out of a simple conviction: that government and representation must touch people’s lives directly.

The support we provided in December was not meant to be a one-off gesture. Today’s intervention is another step in that journey, and we will continue to look for ways to support our people within the resources available to us,” he said.

Salisu also said his representation would continue to focus on initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen small businesses and promote economic independence among constituents.

He described the engagement with market leaders as an important component of effective representation, stressing that elected representatives must remain accessible and responsive to the people.

“I want our women to see this as a partnership. My responsibility is to represent you, listen to you and do everything within my capacity to support your aspirations. I will continue to be accessible and responsive because effective representation begins with listening to the people .

The senator appreciated the Iyaloja of Egbaland, Chief (Mrs) Oloyede, as well as other Iyalojas and Babalojas across the district, for their leadership and commitment to the welfare of traders.

The latest intervention extends the reach of the OKOWO SALISU programme across Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Obafemi Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro Local Government Areas.

Salisu urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the support and continue to contribute to the growth of their businesses, families and communities.

He assured constituents that his office would continue to explore practical measures to support market men and women, entrepreneurs, youths and other vulnerable groups as part of his representation agenda for Ogun Central.