Former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has commended Lagos State lawmaker, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, for his sustained grassroots empowerment initiatives. Edun described Yishawu's efforts as consistent with President Bola Tinubu's drive to reduce poverty and improve the living standards of Nigerians. The commendation was given during 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 empowered more than 300 beneficiaries, featuring support for aged persons and widows, artisans, market women, petty traders, micro-business owners, youths and students. Edun said Yishawu's interventions through direct financial assistance and the distribution of business equipment were consistent with the Federal Government's economic reform agenda. The agenda seeks to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty and introduce interventions to cushion the effects of economic challenges on ordinary Nigerians.
According to Edun, beyond reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, the Tinubu administration is introducing interventions to support vulnerable citizens. 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 called on Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority and influence, to support vulnerable citizens amid the economic transition.
Yishawu's programme distributed over 200 empowerment items 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.
Yishawu's micro-business, petty traders and market women empowerment initiatives had reached over 1,500 constituents, while 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. The grant is intended to support the beneficiaries as they begin their academic journeys.
Yishawu's free JAMB initiative has provided more than 12,000 free JAMB forms to students over the years, with additional support for candidates who successfully secured admission. The introduction of free JAMB revision classes had also helped candidates prepare better for their examinations and improve their performance. Several beneficiaries, including Imioluwanimi Luciana, Chief Don-Cyril Ike and Mohammed Useni, expressed appreciation for the support provided by Yishawu.
Political leaders from Eti-Osa Constituency II praised Yishawu's empowerment programme, describing it 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. Lagos State Governor's aide on Environment, Kunle Rotimi, also called on residents to ensure that Lagos remained under the leadership of the APC.
Key points
- Wale Edun commends Yishawu's empowerment programme for aligning with FG's economic reforms.
- Yishawu's programme supports over 300 beneficiaries with various empowerment items.
- Yishawu's initiative includes a N100,000 admission grant for students who secured admission into tertiary institutions.
