By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, has presented cash support to 500 beneficiaries worth N25 million and donated 10 wheelchairs to physically challenged individuals in Lagos Island East, as part of efforts to promote social inclusion, equity and grassroots development.

The humanitarian outreach, which attracted party stakeholders, community leaders and beneficiaries, was aimed at alleviating economic pressures on vulnerable residents, particularly, among All Progressives Congress, APC loyalists, while enhancing mobility and independence for physically challenged individuals. Each beneficiary went home with sum of N50,000.

Speaking at the Seed Empowerment programme for 500 vulnerable members at Premier Palace Club, Epetedo, Lagos, Lagos Island Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Giwa said the initiative aligns with the State Government’s broader commitment to inclusive governance and people-centred development.

Giwa, however, called on the beneficiaries to serve as APC Vanguards to draw more members of the public to join the party.

According to him, “The gesture is a deliberate act of giving back to the grassroots, whom i identified as the backbone of political organization and governance.

“I see this as my own way of appreciating the people who have stood by me consistently. If there is no party, there is no government. Everything we have achieved is built on that platform.

“This gesture is not about figures; it is about recognizing the sacrifices of those who work day and night to sustain the party and its vision.”

Giwa explained that the programme was strategically expanded from an initial plan of 200 beneficiaries to 500 in order to motivate party members during the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.

According to him, the growing interest from community members might further increase the number of beneficiaries in subsequent engagements.

Giwa also clarified that the initiative was organized by a support group in his honour, noting that similar empowerment programmes with different beneficiaries were already being planned.

“This is just one of many interventions. Other programmes are coming, and beneficiaries will rotate so that more people can feel the impact,” he assured.

He added that beneficiaries were required to be registered members of the APC, stressing that the initiative would further encourage grassroots mobilization and party growth.

Chairman of Lagos Island East, Muibi Folawiyo, commended Giwa for what he described as an unprecedented humanitarian intervention by an appointed official from the area, praised the Special Adviser for combining governance responsibilities with community empowerment.

“It is remarkable to see an appointed member of the State Executive Council organize empowerment for 500 people, each receiving N50,000 to support their businesses and families,” Folawiyo said.

“This is a clear reflection of his commitment to the people and to improving the image of the party.”

Also speaking, Olanrewaju Afinni, representing Lagos Island Constituency II, described the initiative as laudable, noting that it complements the efforts of elected officials and eases the burden of expectations from constituents.

“As an appointed official, his contributions reduce pressure on elected representatives like us. In every position he has held, he has consistently given back to Lagos Island and supported government policies,” Afinni said.

The event ended on a note of appreciation from beneficiaries, who described the intervention as timely and impactful, reinforcing calls for sustained grassroots-focused programmes across the state.