By Esther Onyegbula

A pro-President Bola Tinubu support group, Ijesha 4 PBAT, in collaboration with the City Boy Movement, on Tuesday empowered traders, artisans and residents of Badagry area of Lagos State with working tools and food items as part of efforts to boost support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during the empowerment programme held in Badagry, the Chairman of the group, Chief Segun Owuni, said the initiative was aimed at supporting members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while also improving the welfare of residents affected by the current economic realities.

Owuni said the movement was established to contribute to the development of Badagry and ensure the division competes favourably with other parts of Lagos State.

According to him, the programme featured the distribution of motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, fumigators, drying machines, deep freezers and bags of rice to selected beneficiaries.

“Today, we are here to empower traders and artisans in Lagos and also to distribute rice to the less privileged who are being affected by the present economic situation of the country,” he said.

“Here we have 15 motorcycles, 15 deep freezers, 20 grinding machines, 20 sewing machines, 20 fumigators machines, 25 drying machines and 500 bags of 5kg rice to be given out to our people.

“We have diligently selected the traders and artisans that will benefit from this empowerment programme.”

Owuni urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment and support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“I am appealing to every lucky beneficiary to use this equipment judiciously and also ensure President Tinubu has a smooth ride in the coming general election in 2027,” he added.

He commended APC leaders and political office holders in Badagry for their cooperation and support toward the success of the programme.

Also speaking, APC chieftain in Badagry, Chief Moses Ogunbiyi, advised beneficiaries to utilise the tools effectively to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Ogunbiyi praised the organisers for extending support to residents, urging other well-meaning individuals to emulate the gesture.
Similarly, the Social Welfare Officer of the group, Mr Joel Nutayi, described the initiative as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to grassroots development.

According to him, the programme was designed to create opportunities and encourage self-reliance among residents.

“This programme reflects a clear vision: to build hope, create opportunities, and support hardworking Nigerians on the path to a better future,” Nutayi said.

“We are grateful for the consistent generosity behind this initiative. It has already touched lives across many communities. Empowering people remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen society and drive sustainable development.”

He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the empowerment initiative.

Chairman of the occasion and Aholu of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Aholu Olamilekan James, described the empowerment as unique, noting that the organiser was not seeking elective office.

According to him, the initiative was solely aimed at supporting the continuity of President Tinubu’s administration.

Also, the traditional ruler of Imeke Kingdom, Oba Olatunji Ogabi, the Onimeke of Imeke, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the equipment or engaging in criminal activities with them.

“Please don’t sell it off or use it to rob people in Badagry environment,” the monarch warned.

Some traders and artisans from Agbalata Market, who benefited from the programme, commended the organisers for the intervention, saying the tools would help improve their businesses and livelihoods.

They also pledged support for President Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Many residents who attended the programme also received 5kg bags of rice distributed by the organisers.