IBADAN — The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Engr. (Dr.) Aderemi Abass Oseni, has unveiled a N90 million empowerment package for motor parts dealers at the popular Araromi Gate Market in Ibadan, alongside the donation of 100 solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and commercial activities in the market.
Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), announced the intervention on Saturday during a town hall meeting with traders and market leaders at Araromi Gate.
The intervention comprises a N50 million interest-free revolving loan and a N40 million non-repayable grant designed to support traders across the four major sections of the market — car, lorry, tyre and iron sections.
The APC senatorial candidate also pledged to personally undertake the payment of the monthly salaries of the market’s Baale and chiefs as part of measures to strengthen traditional administration, security and effective coordination within the market.
Speaking at the event, Oseni said the intervention was targeted at supporting micro and small-scale entrepreneurs, whom he described as critical contributors to Ibadan’s commercial and economic activities.
He said the N50 million revolving loan would be disbursed in phases and managed in a manner that would ensure sustainability, while the N40 million grant would be distributed equitably among traders across the four sections of the market.
According to him, the initiative was designed to enable traders to expand their businesses, increase their working capital, improve their livelihoods and contribute more significantly to the local economy.
“The motor parts dealers are critical drivers of the local economy. We must continue to support them so that they can expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute more to the economy,” he said.
On the provision of solar-powered streetlights, Oseni said the initiative was aimed at improving visibility, strengthening security and enabling traders to conduct business for longer hours.
“When you light up a market, you light up businesses. Traders can stay longer, customers can come safely, and the economy grows,” he added.
The APC candidate also called on market leaders and traders to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Federal Government’s economic reforms were beginning to produce positive results.
He urged the traders to support APC candidates across Oyo State in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that the party would regain political strength in the state.
“I urge you all to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the Federal Government’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results for businesses and the masses,” Oseni said.
He added: “With your support, with your votes, and with your prayers, APC will win convincingly in Oyo State. We are building a party that delivers.”
The Chairman of Araromi Gate Market Motor Parts Dealers, Alhaji Ojo Azeez, commended Oseni for what he described as his consistent commitment to the development of his constituency and other communities.
Azeez said the traders had taken note of the lawmaker’s interventions and expressed confidence in his political ambition.
“We believe in your achievements so far. By the grace of Almighty God, you shall defeat your opponents hands down,” he said.
Chairmen of the four sections of the market — car, lorry, tyre and iron — also pledged their support for Oseni, President Tinubu and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Baale of the market, Alhaji Raimi Ewebiyi, as well as traditional leaders, market executives and representatives of various groups, attended the engagement.
The event provided an opportunity for the senatorial candidate to interact directly with traders, listen to their concerns and outline his plans for economic empowerment and grassroots development.
The Araromi Gate Market is one of the major automotive parts trading centres in Ibadan, with a large population of traders, artisans, mechanics and other business operators.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen Oseni’s engagement with market associations and small-business operators as the political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Oyo South Senatorial District election.
With the combination of financial empowerment, infrastructure support and welfare commitments, Oseni said his focus remained on promoting economic opportunities and improving the welfare of traders and other small-business
