Engr. John Paul Meranda (PhD) has empowered petty traders and small-scale business owners in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, as part of grassroots mobilisation in support of the governorship ambition of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji.

The empowerment programme, targeted at youth men and women, was held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with the initiative carried out by Meranda on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Beyond the cash support provided to beneficiaries, Meranda also distributed campaign-branded caps and aprons to the petty traders as part of efforts to engage them and mobilise support for Oyebanji’s governorship bid.

Speaking during the programme, Meranda said the initiative was aimed at providing meaningful support to petty traders at the grassroots while encouraging their participation in the political process.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support, assuring them that more impactful interventions would be possible if Oyebanji is given the opportunity to serve as Governor of Osun State.

According to him, if Oyebanji is given the chance to become Governor, he would do more for the people, particularly in the areas of grassroots development and economic empowerment.

Meranda also described the gesture as evidence that the Honourable Minister has not forgotten his people, stressing that Oyetola remains committed to supporting and uplifting people at the grassroots.

He added that the initiative was undertaken on behalf of Oyetola as part of his commitment to the people and efforts to mobilise support for Oyebanji’s governorship aspiration.

The grassroots engagement in Iragbiji was complemented by a campaign rally in Osogbo, where supporters and members of the political movement converged to express their backing for Oyebanji’s governorship ambition.