The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr. Seyi Jakande, has rolled out a ₦250 million interest-free loan scheme and distributed nine JAKO Care commercial buses to beneficiaries across the council's nine wards in a major push to promote economic empowerment and improve residents' livelihoods.

The twin initiatives, unveiled on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the council secretariat, are designed to support traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and transport operators, while advancing the administration's HEWA Agenda.

Speaking at the event, Jakande declared that governance must go beyond promises to deliver practical solutions that directly improve people's lives.

“Government must do more than formulate policies and make promises. Government must create opportunities, remove barriers, and provide practical solutions that improve the everyday lives of its people,” he said.

Under the Ilé Owó scheme, the council is providing ₦250 million in interest-free loans to eligible residents to strengthen small businesses, increase commercial activities and create sustainable economic opportunities. Jakande urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, maintain proper business records and repay the loans as agreed to ensure the revolving scheme continues to benefit other residents.

The JAKO Care Bus initiative will provide nine beneficiaries, one from each ward, with branded commercial minibuses under an instalment-based ownership arrangement. The buses are expected to operate on routes within the community and neighbouring areas, creating opportunities for income generation and financial independence.

“One ward, one beneficiary, one bus, and an opportunity for a more financially independent future,” Jakande declared, describing the programme as a commitment to fairness and balanced development across the LCDA.

Speaking with Mushines News, the chairman explained that the Ilé Owó scheme was structured to ensure sustainability, transparency and accountability through a partnership with a microfinance bank.

According to him, the bank handles eligibility assessments, background checks, credit history verification and recommendations, while the council provides the funds and pays for the administrative services.

The arrangement, he explained, is intended to ensure that qualified residents can access the opportunity based on their business credentials and repayment capacity.

For one of the JAKO Care Bus beneficiaries, Sanni Gafar, the opportunity came as an unexpected breakthrough after he emerged as a winner through a lucky dip.

“It was not easy getting to the draw stage, and thank God I finally emerged as the winner. This is a miracle for me,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ajayi Olufolake, who qualified for the Ilé Owó interest-free loan, said she was surprised when she received the news of her selection, particularly because she had no personal connections in government.

She explained that she applied after a neighbour informed her about the programme and was assessed based on her business and ability to repay the loan.

“I never knew anyone in government. I simply applied after my neighbour told me about the loan scheme. I was able to convince the microfinance bank that I could repay the loan based on my business. I am very happy, and I thank the chairman for this gesture,” she said.

The two initiatives represent an effort by the Jakande administration to expand access to business financing and income-generating assets, particularly for residents seeking opportunities to improve their economic circumstances.

By combining interest-free business loans with commercial vehicle ownership opportunities, the council aims to help beneficiaries build more sustainable livelihoods while ensuring that empowerment initiatives reach communities across all nine wards.

For the beneficiaries, however, the significance of the programmes goes beyond the money and vehicles: they represent an opportunity to grow their businesses, earn a living and pursue greater financial independence.