Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA Empowers 1,000 Artisans, Traders with N100 Million Business Grants

 

By Kayode Olopade 

In a bold move to boost grassroots economic development, the Executive Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Ladi Oluwaloni popularly knows as OLO 1, has disbursed N100 million in cash grants to 1,000 residents, including artisans, traders, and transport workers.

The empowerment programme, tagged Ajumose Season 1: Growth Together Entrepreneur Empowerment Grant, was unveiled on Monday before hundreds of excited beneficiaries drawn from across the LCDA. The season 1 is the first phase of a two-phased program, with the phase 1 consisting of 507 beneficiaries.

Speaking at the event, Otunba Oluwaloni reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the socio-economic status of the people and building a more inclusive and prosperous Ayobo-Ipaja.

"Today is not just about distributing grants; it is a declaration of our steadfast belief in the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of our people," he said. "These grants are seeds of opportunity, intended to nurture sustainable livelihoods, create jobs, and break the cycle of poverty."

According to Otunba Oluwaloni, beneficiaries were selected from a wide range of stakeholders, including market men and women, tradesmen and artisans, members of transport unions, and representatives of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs).

Highlighting the importance of small and medium-scale businesses to the local economy, the chairman emphasized that the grants were non-repayable and meant to fuel innovation, drive job creation, and promote financial independence.

"Our vision is to rewrite the economic story of Ayobo-Ipaja," he declared. "Through initiatives like Ajumose, meaning 'Let's Progress Together,' we are nurturing a culture of enterprise where every citizen has a stake in our collective future."

The event also drew commendations from key community leaders. The Elegbeda of Egbeda, Oba Ahmed Orelope-Laka, praised the chairman for what he described as an unprecedented move in the history of Ayobo-Ipaja.

"This is the first time we are witnessing such a large-scale empowerment programme targeted directly at the grassroots," the royal father noted. "It is a monumental step that will have lasting impacts on the community."

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Taibat Awosika, expressed gratitude to the council, noting that the N100,000 grant would significantly enhance her trading activities.

"I intend to restock my shop with goods, and I am confident this will translate into higher profits and better financial stability for my family," she said.

The Ajumose empowerment programme marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA to drive economic growth, support local entrepreneurship, and build a resilient community.