23/11/2024
GOBO Initiative Empowers Petty Traders in Kabba Central Market - Hammer on Support for Governor Ododo
The Kogi Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KFSSA) and leaders of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) in Kogi West Senatorial District, led by their Chairman and Director General, Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed (popularly known as Lashek), visited Kabba Central Market to carry out a significant outreach program on behalf of the state government. The event, which was designed to empower local traders and engage community leaders, marked an important step in the efforts to bring socioeconomic development closer to the grassroots.
The delegation began their activities with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi (Obaro Oweyomade I), the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council. The visit aimed to familiarize the traditional ruler with the objectives of GOBO and its intended impact on Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area and the larger Kogi West Senatorial District. Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed provided a detailed explanation of GOBO’s vision, emphasizing the focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people through empowerment and business support initiatives.
His Royal Majesty warmly received the team, commending the initiative and the foresight of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in appointing competent individuals dedicated to improving the lives of citizens. Oba Owoniyi expressed his satisfaction with the outreach program and the developmental agenda it represents. He then offered blessings to the team and assured them of his continued support and guidance. Demonstrating his commitment to the program, the Obaro directed two high-ranking chiefs from his council to accompany the KFSSA team to the Kabba Central Market, symbolizing the community's endorsement and support for the initiative.
The delegation next paid a visit to the official residence of the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael. During the visit, Hon. Dare Michael expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KFSSA and GOBO. He noted that the outreach was a commendable step toward bridging the gap between government appointees and the grassroots, emphasizing that this was a refreshing approach to governance. He lauded His Excellency for appointing a team capable of executing such impactful programs, highlighting the importance of their collaborative efforts in advancing the governor’s vision for the state. The chairman further pledged his support for KFSSA and encouraged them to continue their purposeful leadership.
With the engagements completed, the team proceeded to Kabba Central Market, where their arrival was met with enthusiasm and excitement. Traders, hawkers, and other market participants who had been eagerly awaiting the event welcomed the delegation with cheers and applause. The outreach aimed to provide direct financial support to small-scale traders in the market, which shows GOBO’s commitment to promoting economic activities at the grassroots level.
Twenty petty traders, including sellers of berneseed, tomatoes, and roasted plantains, as well as fruit vendors and a young street hawker, were randomly identified as beneficiaries of the initiative. Each was given a financial boost of the sum of 50,000 naira to expand their businesses. The gesture was designed not only to improve the economic situation of the traders but also to inspire confidence in the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Ododo and the GOBO team for the support provided. Many of them shared stories of their struggles to sustain their businesses, emphasizing how the financial assistance would alleviate their challenges and enable them to increase their income. Several beneficiaries also prayed for Governor Ododo’s administration, wishing him a productive and impactful eight years tenure as the Executive Governor and Chief Servant of the State.
The initiative did not end with the financial empowerment of the traders. Recognizing the importance of accountability and sustainable growth, the GOBO team outlined plans to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries. Hon. Femi Esemikose, the Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency Adviser for GOBO, and Hon. Augustine Egbebi, the Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area Coordinator, were tasked with following up on the traders’ activities. The monitoring process is expected to evaluate how the beneficiaries utilize the support to grow their businesses, ensuring that the financial assistance achieves its intended purpose.
The event at Kabba Central Market was not merely a one-off empowerment program; it reflected a broader vision of the Kogi State government to directly engage with the people and create opportunities for economic growth. By reaching out to local communities and addressing their immediate needs, GOBO has established itself as an effective platform for connecting government policies to the grassroots.
In addition to empowering the traders, the outreach served to strengthen the relationship between the government and the community. The involvement of traditional leaders, local government officials, and other stakeholders underscored the collaborative approach necessary for the success of such initiatives. The active participation of the Obaro’s representatives, the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government, and the GOBO team demonstrated a united front in driving development across the region.
The success of the Kabba-Bunu outreach is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and the state. As the GOBO program continues to expand, more communities will benefit from its efforts to empower individuals and enhance economic development.
Through this outreach, KFSSA and GOBO have shown their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by small-scale traders and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots. The collaborative approach, community engagement, and focus on sustainable impact represent a progressive step in governance, paving the way for further development across Kogi State.
