Hon. Akin Alabi, the lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Works, has launched a ₦500 million Micro Business Support Initiative to boost small businesses in Oyo State. The programme was flagged off on Thursday in Ibadan, with an initial ₦50 million shared among 500 beneficiaries, each receiving ₦100,000 to strengthen their businesses.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Alabi explained that the initiative targets 5,000 micro business owners across the constituency. He said the support will be rolled out monthly over one year until the ₦500 million target is reached. According to him, the goal is to grow the local economy, help traders and artisans expand, and improve household incomes.

The lawmaker stressed that economic empowerment is key to sustainable development, noting that supporting small businesses goes hand in hand with ongoing infrastructure projects in the area. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth that directly touches the lives of ordinary people at the grassroots.

The flag-off ceremony attracted top APC leaders and stakeholders from Egbeda, Ona-Ara, and across Oyo Central. Party leaders, former lawmakers, and community figures praised the initiative, describing it as a practical step toward improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for small business owners in the constituency.