By Jimoh Babatunde
Residents and small-scale traders in Badore, Lagos, have received financial support under an empowerment initiative led by Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun, aimed at boosting grassroots businesses.
The programme, currently ongoing at Tarzan Jetty, involves the distribution of funds to traders and service providers operating within the community.
Balogun, also known as “De Boatman,” is the Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Maritime Enterprises and President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria.
He said the initiative is part of activities marking his birthday scheduled for next week.

Speaking in Lagos, Balogun said he opted to channel resources into community support instead of hosting a celebratory event.
“If I organise a big party and spend money on food and drinks, the people who will attend can afford those things on their own. So I decided to support people in the lower-income group who are doing business around where I operate,” he said.
According to him, beneficiaries include petty traders, mechanics and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators who require modest financial assistance to sustain or expand their businesses.
Some beneficiaries commended the initiative, describing it as timely.
One of them, Deborah, said she received ₦50,000, which she plans to use to support her business operations.
Another beneficiary, Pa Arowolo Isaac, a landlord in the community, said the gesture recognised individuals contributing to peace and development in the area.
“I am happy that I was recognised and selected to be part of this empowerment,” he said, adding that he would invest the money in his wife’s catering business.
Balogun said the selection process involved collaboration with community representatives to ensure only genuine residents benefited.
“For this community alone, I received a list of 55 people. Some may not have phones, but I know where many of them work, so I can meet them directly,” he said.
He added that the initiative would continue in phases across other communities in Lagos and extend to Abeokuta, his hometown.
Balogun said the programme is designed to support small businesses and promote economic activity at the grassroots level.