By Popoola Jamiu, AbeokutaNo fewer than 3,000 market men and women across Ogun East Senatorial District have benefited from the fifth edition of the Market Women and Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme. The empowerment programme, held in Ijebu-Ode, was initiated by the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola. Adeola said the initiative was designed to strengthen small businesses, stimulate grassroots economic development and cushion the impact of the current economic challenges on traders. “I want to reaffirm my commitment to expanding economic opportunities for market women and men across Ogun State,” he said. They described the programme as a timely intervention that would help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.