The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area in Lagos State on Friday distributed N100,000 each to 100 traders, artisans and residents as part of an empowerment programme worth N10 million.
Chairman of the council, Lukmon Agbaje, disclosed this during the programme held at the council secretariat, noting that the grants were designed to support and strengthen the beneficiaries’ businesses. In addition to the financial support, the council also provided 500 indigent students with free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination forms.
Speaking at the event, Mr Agbaje said his administration remained focused on improving the economic well-being of residents and promoting opportunities that would enhance livelihoods within the council area.
“These direct cash grants of ₦100,000 each are targeting traders, artisans, and vulnerable households to boost small businesses and provide relief amid economic challenges.
“The initiative is a clear fulfilment of our campaign promises.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities that uplift our people and strengthen the economic and educational foundation of our community,” he said.
The chairman, who was represented by the council secretary, Ahmad Yusuff, advised beneficiaries to apply the funds responsibly in ways that would promote self-reliance. He also encouraged young people in the community to take advantage of the administration’s educational support initiatives, including coaching centres established to prepare students for the UTME.
Mr Agbaje reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue implementing programmes aimed at transforming the LCDA and delivering on its commitments to residents.
Also speaking, the LCDA council manager, Bankole Bawa, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely to grow their small-scale businesses and improve their economic conditions.
“We really appreciate the council chairman for taking a step further by empowering hard-working entrepreneurs across our wards with non-repayable grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.
“These grants are more than financial support; they are a testament to our belief in your ingenuity, resilience, and determination, and we urge the beneficiaries to make proper use of the grants,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Wunmi Oladejo, expressed gratitude to the council chairman, describing the initiative as both timely and impactful.
“This is a great opportunity for me. I intend to invest the money into starting a small business that will help support my family,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Sunday Aderoju, also appreciated the council for providing free UTME forms, noting that the gesture would enable him to participate in the 2026 university entrance examination.
