Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Adewale Kolapo Kareem, has floated a N5 million non-interest loan scheme for traders, artisans, and small business owners in the state.
The financial scheme, which will benefit members and supporters of his AKK political structure, was designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises and encourage political participation.
In a statement issued yesterday, Kareem said the loan would be available to applicants who meet three conditions: possession of a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) or proof of registration, attendance of at least two AKK meetings, and participation in one APC ward meeting. He explained that the criteria were deliberately introduced to link economic empowerment with democratic responsibility.
“The PVC is the strongest tool citizens have to shape governance, and it is central to building a participatory democracy,” Kareem said.
The APC hopeful disclosed that beneficiaries of earlier loan cycles who are repaid on time would now qualify for higher sums. He added that strict monitoring and verification would be carried out to ensure transparency and fairness.
According to him, registration and validation of applicants will begin immediately, while disbursement of funds is scheduled for September.
Kareem, who pledged to expand and institutionalise empowerment programmes if elected governor, described the loan initiative as part of a broader plan to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth across Oyo State.
