By Olanrewaju Adesanya
The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has injected N75 million to boost commerce amongst residents of the council.
Oshinowo who said the grant was a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents by empowering small businesses across the council, expressed his profuse appreciation for the impact recorded so far, noting that 75 percent improvement has been recorded in the local economy of the area.
Speaking on Tuesday during the fifth edition of the council’s We Lift Project, Mayor Oshinowo announced the disbursement of N50,000 each to 1,500 traders, totaling N75 million, to support their businesses.
An additional 220 traders will also benefit from the ‘We Lift’ empowerment grant facilitated by Senator Mukhail Tokunbo Abiru who added N10 million to the N1 million pledged by Hon Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2), which brings the sum up of the disbursements to N86 million.
Addressing attendees at the TamRoyal Multi-Purpose Hall, he 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,” Oshinowo said.
He 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 Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) 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.
Senator Abiru, the special guest of honour at the event, commended Oshinowo’s leadership, describing him as the best local government chairman in Nigeria. He also pledged an additional N10 million in support of the project.
“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, Hon. Femi Saheed, representing Kosofe Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasised 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.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, including former chairperson of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Hon. Yetunde Arobieke, royal fathers, APC chieftains, community members, and youths from across the LCDA.
