Socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has questioned the effectiveness of small-scale government grants in reducing poverty, comparing an empowerment programme introduced under former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with a recent grant initiative linked to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
In a post on her X account, Yesufu reacted to comparisons between the ₦10,000 grants and loans distributed during Osinbajo’s tenure and recent financial support reportedly provided to women to start petty businesses such as frying akara and selling roasted corn.
“When Professor Yemi Osinbajo was sharing 10k as grants/loan, all manner of excuses were made,” she wrote.
She further questioned the long-term impact of the programme, asking, “How many people did those grants pull out of poverty?”
Yesufu’s comments come amid ongoing public debate over the effectiveness of government empowerment initiatives. Her remarks have added to wider discussions on whether small cash grants provide sustainable economic relief for low-income Nigerians or whether broader economic reforms are needed to tackle poverty.
