By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, has reaffirmed commitment to improving the lives of residents by empowering small businesses across the council.

The Chairman of the LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, made the remark on Tuesday, during the fifth edition of the council’s empowerment programme, tagged: “We Lift Project.”

Oshinowo, announced the disbursement of N50,000 each to 1,500 traders, totaling N75 million to support their businesses.

An additional 220 traders were also added to benefit from the programme facilitated by Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, who added N10 million to the N1 million pledged by Femi Saheed, a lawmaker representing Kosofe 2, at Lagos State House of Assembly, which brings the sum up of the disbursement to N86 million.

Oshinowo, while addressing beneficiaries and guests, described the initiative as a sustainable, intentional effort to uplift grassroots entrepreneurs and strengthen local economic development.

“This project is about lifting people. We are writing another chapter today by supporting 1,500 residents. While the amount may seem small to some, it is life-changing for many and will go a long way in growing their businesses,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the council disbursed over N200 million to residents in the previous year alone and credited the success of the initiative to deep community engagement and a commitment to empathy and empowerment.

Acknowledging key supporters, Oshinowo praised Senator Abiru for his unwavering support and a N5 million donation last year.

He also highlighted several achievements of his administration, including the construction of roads, housing estates, an ICT center, a Primary Health Centre, and an upcoming state-of-the-art school which he said would rival any private school in the Agboyi-Ketu and Kosofe axis.

“We are leading by example. Our sports facility will soon be commissioned. This is real grassroots development. Lagos State has practiced financial autonomy for 20 years, and our council is proof of its impact,” he added.

Abiru, the special guest of honour at the event, commended Oshinowo’s leadership, describing him as the best local government chairman in Nigeria.

“Agboyi-Ketu is a model for what local government should be. I urge beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for their businesses,” Abiru said.

Also speaking, Saheed, stressed the importance of prudent financial management. Sharing a personal story, he recalled starting a business with a N30,000 loan in 1997 and encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of their grants.

In her remarks, Mrs. Temitope Adeoya, a representative of Stanbic Bank, encouraged participants to enroll in the bank’s Financial Fitness Academy and manage their funds wisely.

“Your current reality should not define your future. Live within your means, invest in your skills, and be intentional with your finances,” she advised.

Also, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Taibat Ahmed, commended the chairman for the empowerment saying it would go a long way in boosting their businesses amid the prevailing economic challenges.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including former chairperson of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Yetunde Arobieke, royal fathers, Alll Orogressives Congress, APC, chieftains, community members, and youths from across the LCDA.