Former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has commended Lagos State lawmaker, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, for his sustained grassroots empowerment initiatives, described them as efforts that complement President Bola Tinubu’s drive to reduce poverty and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
Edun gave the commendation on Sunday while speaking with journalists at the 14th edition of the GOY Micro-Business Support and Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, organised by Yishawu for constituents in Eti-Osa Constituency II, Lagos State.
The programme, which empowered more than 300 beneficiaries, featured support for aged persons and widows, artisans, market women, petty traders, micro-business owners, youths and students.
The former minister said Yishawu’s interventions through direct financial assistance and the distribution of business equipment were consistent with the Federal Government’s economic reform agenda, which seeks to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
According to him, beyond reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, the Tinubu administration is introducing interventions to cushion the effects of economic challenges on ordinary Nigerians.
He noted that Yishawu was replicating similar interventions at the constituency level by providing tools, equipment and financial assistance to help small business owners and vulnerable residents improve their livelihoods.
Edun also called on Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority and influence, to support vulnerable citizens amid the economic transition.
He said, “We must be our brother’s keeper at this time. Whether we are in office or out of office, whether in the public sector or private sector, large-scale or small-scale, we must look to help people through this difficult time.”
He expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, saying improvements were becoming evident in critical areas and that the Federal Government was working to ensure the benefits of its reforms reached the poor and vulnerable.
In his address, Yishawu said the programme was designed to translate the benefits of democratic governance into practical improvements in the lives of his constituents.
He disclosed that more than 300 beneficiaries were selected across eight categories, with over 200 empowerment items distributed to support businesses, improve productivity and strengthen household welfare.
Items distributed included sewing machines, machine tools, 4.5KVA generators, pumping machines, chest freezers, hair dryers, clippers, solar power systems, television sets, grinding machines, weaving machines, gas burners and cylinders, as well as food items and provisions for resale.
The lawmaker said the programme had, over the years, supported more than 500 artisans, while its micro-business, petty traders and market women empowerment initiatives had reached over 1,500 constituents.
He added that more than 1,000 youths had benefited from cash support, tools and other forms of assistance through his youth empowerment initiatives.
On education, Yishawu announced a N100,000 admission grant for each student who secured admission into tertiary institutions through the 2025–2026 edition of his free JAMB initiative.
He explained that the grant was intended to support the beneficiaries as they begin their academic journeys.
According to him, the initiative has provided more than 12,000 free JAMB forms to students over the years, with additional support for candidates who successfully secured admission.
Yishawu said the introduction of free JAMB revision classes had also helped candidates prepare better for their examinations and improve their performance.
He recalled meeting former beneficiaries who had graduated from universities, secured employment and even obtained doctoral degrees, describing their progress as one of the most fulfilling aspects of the initiative.
One of the scholarship beneficiaries, Imioluwanimi Luciana, expressed appreciation for the grant, saying it would ease some of her educational financial burdens and provide a boost to her academic pursuit.
An elderly beneficiary, Chief Don-Cyril Ike, also commended the lawmaker for sustaining the initiative, while Mohammed Useni described Yishawu’s continued support for senior citizens as commendable.
Political leaders from Eti-Osa Constituency II also praised the lawmaker, describing the empowerment programme as an initiative that transcended partisan politics and deserved emulation.
They urged residents to support all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections.
Similarly, the Lagos State Governor’s aide on Environment, Kunle Rotimi, called on residents to ensure that Lagos remained under the leadership of the APC, stressing the need to protect the state’s political direction.
Yishawu urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided, reaffirming his commitment to initiatives that promote economic independence, education and improved living conditions across his constituency.
Share this content:
About The Author
