The chairman of the Agege Local Government Council, Lagos, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has unveiled a ₦100 million grant for youths and women engaged in micro and small-scale enterprises in the area.

Mr Obasa disclosed this at a Skills Elevation Programme’s graduation ceremony held at the council secretariat in Lagos on Friday.

One thousand beneficiaries received vocational and digital training.

According to Mr Obasa, the intervention is designed to strengthen grassroots enterprises and human capital development.

“This programme underscores our commitment to sustainable empowerment to build a more prosperous Agege,” he said.

He explained that the ₦100 million grant would be injected into the local economy to support micro and small-scale enterprises in collaboration with Speed Up Lagos (Anti-Poverty Squad).

He said that beneficiaries would receive training in catering, food processing, fashion design, makeup, and gele styling.

“Other training will be in digital technology, hairstyling, home essentials production, and sandal making.

“This is aimed at equipping beneficiaries with practical and income-generating skills,” Mr Obasa added.

A former Agege Council chairman, Ganiyu Egunjobi, also commended Mr Obasa for the programme, describing it as a consolidation of the existing empowerment structure.

Sherifat Adedoyin, a board member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, said the programme aligned with Lagos State’s broader skills development agenda.

Kemi Adebayo, a beneficiary and catering graduate, said the training would help her expand her food business.

“This programme has given me professional skills and financial backing to grow,” she said.

Olalekan Sanni, who trained in digital technology, said the initiative was timely.

“With the digital skills acquired here and the grant support, I can confidently compete in the tech space,” he noted.

A community advocate, Tunde Afolabi, said the intervention would reduce poverty and strengthen community stability.

Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the council vice chairman, Adewale Azeez; council manager, Adesina Osikoya; and some community leaders.

(NAN)