2027: 24 Ogun trade groups back Yayi as Adeola unveils ₦250m traders grant

By Olushola Akinyele, Presstv News Nigeria

The United Traders Forum in Ogun State has thrown its weight behind the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election.

The endorsement was made at a political engagement attended by the forum’s leadership and representatives of its 24 affiliated trade groups, with its President, Alhaji Fasiu Ajadi, announcing the traders decision to support Adeola’s candidacy.

Ajadi said the endorsement was based on what the traders described as Adeola’s interventions and programmes which, according to them, have impacted communities and residents across Ogun State.

Presstv News Nigeria learnt that the forum also pledged its support for the Yayi governorship bid, with the traders presenting their position through their president.

Responding to the endorsement, Adeola announced a series of financial and infrastructure commitments targeted at the traders and the wider business community.

The senator pledged ₦1 million to each of the 24 trade groups, in addition to a ₦50,000 grant for 5,000 traders, amounting to ₦250 million.

According to the arrangement announced at the event, the grant would be administered through the leadership of the United Traders Forum to enable beneficiaries strengthen and expand their businesses.

Adeola also pledged the construction of an ultra-modern market at Olomore in Abeokuta, in what he said was part of efforts to improve trading infrastructure and create a more conducive environment for businesses.

The engagement brought together political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders, including Adeola’s deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun.

Also present were former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun and Titi Oseni-Shodunke; former PDP State Chairmen, Alhaji Sikirulai Ogundele and Chief Derin Adebiyi; Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun; and Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Omoniyi Akande Jagunmolu, among others.

The development comes as political activities intensify in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with political parties, candidates and interest groups increasingly mobilising support across different sectors of the state.

The traders endorsement and Adeola’s announced commitments are expected to further place the informal and trading sector among the issues featuring prominently in the unfolding 2027 political engagements in Ogun State.