By Matthew Johnson

Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, yesterday declared that the first 100 days in office should not be seen as the ultimate measure of performance but as a foundation for greater achievements, as he unveiled a massive empowerment scheme for more than 1,000 residents of the council.

Yemaren spoke at the grand finale of activities marking his 100 days in office, held at Alapa Mini-Stadium, Ganyigbo, Topa, where cash grants and work tools were distributed to beneficiaries.

The event followed an inspection tour of projects executed and inaugurated within the council area, led by the chairman, accompanied by party leaders, stakeholders and traditional rulers.

Addressing the gathering, Yemaren said the milestone marked only the beginning of his administration’s development agenda.

“100 days is not the ultimate yardstick for judging development. It is a starting point for greater achievements,” he said, assuring residents of more impactful, people-oriented projects and sustainable governance.

He announced the unveiling of a far-reaching empowerment programme targeted at artisans and small business owners, stating that over 500 beneficiaries would receive ₦100,000 each, including Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs), widows, the aged, teachers and traders.

He added that critical work tools and business-support equipment were also distributed, including motorcycles, grinding machines, tiling tool sets, clippers with generator units, wheelchairs, welding machines and other vocational equipment.

He said the objective of the programme was to strengthen local enterprises and promote economic self-reliance across the council.

Also speaking, the Badagry-West APC Apex Leader, Hon. Joseph Bamgbose, commended the chairman for what he described as visible and people-focused governance, urging residents to continue to support the APC-led administration to attract more dividends of democracy.

The event was chaired by the Lagos State APC leadership, represented by Rasheed Gboshe, APC Lagos West Senatorial District Youth Leader.

Party leaders, traditional rulers and community stakeholders at the event unanimously praised Yemaren for what they described as a bold and impressive start, noting that the empowerment initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Dignitaries at the event included the immediate past Chairman of Badagry-West LCDA, Hon. Joseph Gbenu; Deputy Chief Whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Setonji David (Badagry Constituency II); Hon. Bonu Solomon (Badagry I); Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende; Executive Chairman, Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe; Executive Chairman, Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon; Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Sesi Whigan (Badagry Federal Constituency), and former council chairman, Olusegun Onilude.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, councillors from the five wards, members of the council management team, community and youth leaders, student representatives and residents of the area.