TO realize its quest for grassroots development, the Gbenga Hashim Foundation has disbursed an additional N12.5 million to small businesses across Kwara State, bringing to N100 million its cash empowerment for 2024 in the state.

Promoted by prominent politician and former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, the foundation has implemented similar initiatives in states like Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as part of efforts to foster economic self-reliance in Nigeria.

In Kwara State, the 2024 empowerment programme supported 1,000 small business owners across all 16 local government areas.

At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, encouraged beneficiaries to use the grant wisely, emphasizing that proper utilization could qualify them for larger support in the future.

“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.

Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.

One of the beneficiaries, Mariam Ajao, said: “I came because I have benefited from the Gbenga Hashim Empowerment. They credited the support to our account since last week, and when I heard this event was coming up, I felt I had to be here even though it is not compulsory.”

Alhaja Aladi, a long-time associate of Gbenga Hashim, commended his integrity and leadership, saying: “Gbenga Hashim is a man of integrity and a leader, who carries everyone along. I encourage all attendees to imbibe his values in the course of their business,” she said.

Representing other coordinators, Ilorin East Local Government Coordinator, Kolapo Olaitan, highlighted the unique structure of the program, noting that beneficiaries were credited before the event.

“We are here as representatives of larger beneficiaries to commend the foundation for this initiative. Gbenga Hashim Foundation did not ask people to converge here to collect empowerment; everyone had already received their funds,” he said.