Former Minister of Finance Wale Edun commended Lagos State lawmaker Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu on Sunday for his grassroots empowerment initiatives, describing the interventions as a vital complement to President Bola Tinubu 's poverty reduction goals and efforts to elevate living standards across Nigeria .
Edun shared his remarks during the 14th edition of the GOY Micro-Business Support and Entrepreneurship Programme 2026, which was hosted by Yishawu for constituents in Eti-Osa Constituency II within Lagos State. The event successfully disbursed support to over 300 individuals, spanning widows, elderly citizens, artisans, petty traders, market women, micro-business operators, students, and youths.
According to the former minister, the lawmaker's strategy of providing direct financial aid and business equipment directly reinforces the federal administration's economic reform agenda. Edun noted that alongside stabilization policies, the federal government is introducing targeted interventions to cushion vulnerable citizens against macroeconomic pressures, a model he said Yishawu has effectively localized.
How does the initiative support constituents?
The empowerment drive featured the distribution of over 200 productive assets across eight designated categories to boost household welfare and commercial productivity. Beneficiaries received items such as sewing machines, 4.5KVA generators, grinding machines, chest freezers, hair dryers, clippers, solar power units, television sets, pumping machines, weaving machines, gas burners, and cylinders, alongside provisions intended for resale.
Yishawu noted that his legislative outreach has historically supported more than 500 artisans, while micro-business and market trader initiatives have reached over 1,500 constituents. Furthermore, his youth support schemes have extended cash assistance and equipment to more than 1,000 young people.
What educational support was announced?
Addressing academic development, Yishawu introduced a N100,000 admission grant for every student who gained entry into a tertiary institution through the 2025–2026 cycle of his free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB initiative. The grant aims to alleviate financial pressures for newly admitted undergraduates.
Over the years, the educational scheme has distributed more than 12,000 free JAMB application forms, complemented by organized revision classes designed to enhance candidate performance. Several past beneficiaries have since graduated, secured professional employment, or attained doctoral degrees.
Recipients including student beneficiary Imioluwanimi Luciana and senior citizen Chief Don-Cyril Ike expressed gratitude for the continued assistance. Local political figures at the event also praised the non-partisan appeal of the welfare scheme, while urging constituents to maintain support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the state.