Eti-Osa Local Government (LG) in Lagos State has disbursed ₦50 million in business grants to local entrepreneurs in the area.

The aim, it said, is to promote economic empowerment, support small businesses and improve livelihoods across the area.

The Eti-Osa LG chairman, Adeola Adetoro, disbursed the business grants to 150 beneficiaries at the council’s Secretariat in Lagos on Thursday.

Ms Adetoro said the beneficiaries included traders, artisans, small business owners, women, youths and vulnerable residents across all wards in the LG.

The chairman said the selection of beneficiaries was based not on party affiliation but on merit after rigorous screening.

She explained that the initiative reflected her administration’s HEYIGA Agenda, with particular emphasis on economic empowerment, social development and improving the welfare of residents.

“I stand before you today as we commemorate one year of purposeful service to the residents of Eti-Osa local government

“One year ago, it was a time of promises because we know that government must be visible in the quality of life of our people.

“Our goal is simply, to help our people grow in their businesses.

‘’We also aim to assist your families and also contribute to the prosperity of our local government, and this is one of the Renewed Hope of Mr President in action.

“To our beneficiaries today, I urge you to use this grant wisely; let this seed grow and thrive in business. Let your success story inspire others.

“‎Under the scheme, 100 beneficiaries received ₦250,000 each, while 50 beneficiaries received ₦500,000 each.

“This grant will further provide direct financial assistance to entrepreneurs operating within the local government,” the chairman said.

Ms Adetoro said the grant would empower entrepreneurs and small business owners to access opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to the development of Eti-Osa.

She noted that the grant also demonstrated her commitment to putting resources directly in the hands of residents and creating practical pathways for economic empowerment across Eti-Osa.

‎The chairman encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly, reinvest in their businesses and use the opportunity to build stronger enterprises.

‘’The grants, when used judiciously will further contribute to employment generation and economic growth within the community, ‘’ she said.

Ms Adetoro said earlier in the week, she inaugurated three completed roads to ease movement and boost economic activities within the area.

She listed the roads to include Ogunyemi Street in Itedo; Ibrahim Atere Road in Gbara; and Engr Moffi Adetoro Road in Igbo-Efon.

Ms Adetoro said her administration had considered healthcare a fundamental responsibility and a component of human development.

She said: “We have implemented a number of health interventions aimed particularly to our pregnant women, children and vulnerable residents.

“The flag off of a nutritious food pack to pregnant women, free hypertension and diabetes screening, free measle vaccines.

“On Tuesday, we also inaugurated a new health care facility at Lafiaji in the area and also a groundbreaking another health care center in Ikota.”

Ms Adetoro said her administration had supported students, parents and young people through practical and all-inclusive educational initiatives.

She said those initiatives included the distribution of back-to-school packs, free GCE forms, spelling B competition and a proposed e-library in the LG.

Ms Adetoro assured residents of more projects and programmes that would benefit them.

She pledged to build an Eti-Osa that was healthier, cleaner, greener and better educated, economically empowered, infrastructurally stronger, with a good environment and food security.

“We will build more roads, renovate more schools, empower more women and youths and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every street and community in the area,” she said.

In his remarks, the leader of the council’s legislative arm, Sadiq Olayinka, commended the chairman for what he described as an impressive first-year performance.

Ms Olayinka, however, urged beneficiaries to resist the temptation of diverting the grants into unproductive items.

He said the grant was intended to provide sustainable livelihoods, rather than immediate financial relief.

Also speaking, a traditional ruler, the Baale of Igbo-Efon in Eti-Osa, Tajudeen Olukolu, said the business grants would further improve beneficiaries’ businesses and support their livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Amaka Chinedu appreciated the chairman for the transparency in the selection of the beneficiaries, promising to use the grants to wisely.

(NAN)