Lagos Council Initiates Empowerment Programme
Segun James
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area(LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has officially launched the Mega Empowerment Initiative 2025, a large-scale economic intervention, designed to strengthen small businesses, uplift vulnerable groups, and stimulate grassroots prosperity across all six political wards of the LCDA.
Speaking at the mega empowerment ceremony held at the council secretariat, Taiwo described the initiative as “a defining chapter in our journey toward sustainable development, economic liberation, and inclusive governance.” reassuring that no resident is left behind in the pursuit of economic independence.
Under the empowerment programme, 100 beneficiaries received N200,000 in direct business support, while 10 young entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30 also received N500,000 each through the Ejigbo Youth Startup Fund to launch innovative enterprises.
The programme also includes mentorship and partnership opportunities facilitated by private-sector investors and business leaders.
In addition, more than 400 residents benefited from business tools, enterprise support, and capacity-building opportunities. Over 300 beneficiaries received items including deep freezers, pepper grinding machines, vulcanising machines, hair dryers, ovens, sewing machines, POS terminals with startup funds, barbing clippers with generators, popcorn machines, cobbler machines, Nikon cameras, shawarma and grilling equipment, among other trade-support materials.
Also, Taiwo emphasised that the initiative is rooted in the economic empowerment pillar of his administration’s S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, which focuses on security, healthcare, infrastructure renewal, education advancement, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and digital integration in governance.
He noted that beneficiaries were selected based on need, capacity for enterprise, and readiness to contribute to the economic growth of the LCDA, stating that the objective is to build a self-reliant and productive citizenry.
Furthermore, the council boss acknowledged the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope/ Idera Oluwa de Agenda has continued to find meaningful expression at the grassroots level in Ejigbo LCDA. He affirmed that the administration remains fully aligned with the policy direction of the Federal Government, ensuring that national priorities are translated into local implementation through carefully designed, people-centered programmes.
APC Lagos State Chairman, Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Aare Taiwo for what he described as a bold and people-oriented stride that reflects the true spirit of progressive governance in Ejigbo, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large. He affirmed that the initiative is a clear demonstration of responsible leadership at the grassroots, one that aligns seamlessly with the vision of President Tinubu, to build a nation where development is inclusive and no citizen is left behind. According to him, the council boss has not only understood the Renewed Hope philosophy but has also translated it into practical action through empowerment, infrastructural renewal, and social intervention programmes that directly touch the lives of the people.
Hon. Pastor Ojelabi further emphasised that the Mr President’s decision to increase local government allocations has created a stronger platform for councils to deliver visible development, adding that the empowerment programme in Ejigbo is a direct reflection of funds being deployed for the benefit of the people.
He used the medium to further appeal to the beneficiaries to make proper use of the items given to them and resist the temptation to sell them, noting that such actions would undermine the purpose of the initiative and render government efforts futile.
