Dele Oshinowo, Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of residents by empowering small businesses across the Council.
Speaking on Tuesday during the fifth edition of the Council’s We Lift Project, Oshinowo announced the disbursement of N50,000 each to 1,500 traders, totaling N75 million, to support their businesses.
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 Adetokunbo Abiru (Senator – 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 centre, 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.
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“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. 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, Femi Saheed, lawmaker, representing Kosofe State Constituency II 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.
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.
