The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State on Friday empowered 100 traders, artisans, and other residents with N100,000 cash grants each, totalling N10 million.

Lukmon Agbaje, the LCDA chairman, said at the empowerment programme held at the council secretariat that the funds were to support the beneficiaries’ businesses.

He also gave 500 indigent students in the community free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) forms.

Mr Agbaje said during the programme that his administration was committed to fostering economic prosperity and uplifting the lives of residents in 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.

Mr Agbaje, represented by the council secretary, Ahmad Yusuff, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously for self-reliance.

He urged the youth to make the most of the educational opportunities provided, particularly by taking advantage of the administration’s coaching centres designed to prepare students for the UTME.

The chairman reiterated the administration’s dedication to transforming the LCDA and fulfilling its promises to the people.

Bankole Bawa, the LCDA council manager, said she was satisfied with the initiative and urged beneficiaries to utilise the financial support wisely to expand their small-scale businesses and improve their economic stability.

“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.

Wunmi Oladejo, one of the beneficiaries, expressed deep appreciation to the chairman for the impactful programme, describing the support as timely and life-changing.

“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.

Sunday Aderoju, a beneficiary of the free UTME forms, also thanked the council chairman for the opportunity to write the 2026 university entrance examination.

(NAN)