A community development initiative has empowered more than 300 residents of Obokun Local Government Area in Osun State through a large-scale skills and business support program valued at about N100 million.
The annual “Skills to Wealth Empowerment Scheme,” held in Ibokun, featured the distribution of work tools, cash grants, and business support items aimed at helping beneficiaries turn vocational skills into sustainable sources of income.
As part of the initiative, a modern motor park was also constructed in the community to improve transport infrastructure and stimulate local commercial activities.
In a move to promote inclusive growth, 10 persons living with disabilities received multipurpose mobile shops equipped with POS machines, alongside a ₦200,000 start-up grant each to support small-scale trading.
Other beneficiaries received business tools, including clippers and generators for barbers, hair dryers for hairdressers, sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, motorcycle tyres, as well as cash support for traders and artisans.
Speaking at the event, the initiator of the program said the scheme was designed to address a common challenge faced by skilled individuals who lack the tools and capital needed to earn a living.
“This program is about helping people turn their skills into income. Many have the ability but not the tools. This is about restoring dignity and supporting livelihoods at the grassroots,” he said.
The empowerment event attracted community leaders and political stakeholders, who described the initiative as a practical model for grassroots economic development.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rebecca Oni, a trader living with a disability, said the mobile shop and cash support she received would help her expand her business beyond home-based sales.
The Skills to Wealth initiative continues to position community-led empowerment as a pathway to small business growth, job creation, and inclusive economic development at the local level.
