The Oluwo of Iwoland, Abdurosheed Akanbi gave over 200 people in the town food and machines for grinding and sewing yesterday.

His press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, said in a statement that the empowerment program was organized by Tunde Rahman, a town resident, to match Oluwo's gesture.

Additionally, the monarch provided N5,000 each to over 50 traders to support their various businesses.

Oluwo lamented the difficulties caused by the lack of naira for Nigerians, particularly petty traders, claiming that the only empowerment is to continue operating their businesses.

He stated that he was aware of the difficulties traders face as a result of the new naira regime and pointed out that empowerment will end all suffering.

The monarch, who urged all levels of government to prioritize and empower small businesses to lessen the impact of naira scarcity, stated that he initially intended to stage an elaborate cash empowerment but was prevented from giving N5,000 to each of over 50 beneficiaries due to naira scarcity.

He stated that beneficiaries in Iwoland, which includes the local governments of Iwo, Ayedire, and Ola-Oluwa, received approximately 30 sewing machines, 25 grinding machines, hundreds of bags of rice, semovita, and groundnut oil, among other items.

“I felt the pain inflicted on Nigerians most especially the petty traders. This is one of the best moments to extend helping hands to those struggling to survive. The naira scarcity has heightened the hardship. Hence, the need to come to their aid,” he said.