The chairman of Badagry Local Government Area in Lagos State, Babatunde Hunpe, on Thursday disbursed ₦100,000 to each of 200 beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme.

The event was the fourth edition of the scheme, a monthly intervention designed to cushion economic hardship and support small-scale businesses at the grassroots level.

The scheme began on the anniversary of Mr Hunpe’s 100 days in office and was structured to run for 20 months, targeting a total of 4,000 residents across the council.

Speaking at the event, Mr Hunpe described the initiative as a local expression of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Hunpe said the increased federal allocations to local governments must translate into tangible relief for citizens.

He said that governance must be responsive, especially during periods of economic strain, and that providing timely support was essential to stabilising households and promoting micro-enterprise growth.

According to him, such interventions are necessary to provide immediate succour to residents while acknowledging criticisms often directed at empowerment programmes.

The council chairman reaffirmed that the initiative was inclusive and non-partisan, assuring those yet to benefit that they should remain patient, as more residents would be included in subsequent phases.

Mr Hunpe also urged beneficiaries to make prudent use of the funds by investing in their businesses to generate sustainable income.

He stated that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper monitoring of the programme.

The chairman said that plans were in full swing to organise a renewed hope discount market ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, alongside the distribution of additional palliatives by the end of the month.

Also, Senami Abosede, the Council Manager, commended the initiative’s consistency and its positive impact on local economic growth.

She said the initiative has encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the support effectively.

In his remarks, Mautin Asokere, the leader of the council’s legislative arm, lauded the chairman for the initiative.

He said that the true essence of the intervention was in the beneficiaries making judicious use of the funds.

Oluwaseun Mautin, a frozen food seller and one of the beneficiaries, promised to use the money to buy more goods.

She thanked the chairman for assisting the council’s residents.

Also present at the event were the wife of the council chairman, Elizabeth Hunpe; the vice chairman, Akeem Adeyemi; and the secretary to the local government, Benjamin Adagba.

(NAN)