Ejigbo LCDA launches mega empowerment initiative, sets new standard in grassroots devt
The Executive Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T), has officially launched the Mega Empowerment Initiative 2025, a large-scale economic intervention designed to strengthen small businesses, uplift vulnerable groups, and stimulate grassroots prosperity across all six political wards of the LCDA.
Speaking at the Mega Empowerment Ceremony held at the council secretariat, T.A.T described the initiative as “a defining chapter in our journey toward sustainable development, economic liberation, and inclusive governance,” reassuring residents that no one would be left behind in the pursuit of economic independence.
Under the programme, 100 beneficiaries received ₦200,000 in direct business support, while 10 young entrepreneurs aged 18–30 received ₦500,000 each through the Ejigbo Youth Startup Fund to launch innovative enterprises.
The initiative also includes mentorship and partnership opportunities facilitated by private-sector investors and business leaders.
In addition, over 400 residents benefited from business tools, enterprise support, and capacity-building opportunities.
More than 300 beneficiaries received items such as deep freezers, pepper grinding machines, vulcanizing machines, hair dryers, ovens, sewing machines, POS terminals with startup funds, barbing clippers with generators, popcorn machines, cobbler machines, Nikon cameras, and shawarma and grilling equipment, among other trade-support materials.
Aare T.A.T emphasised that the initiative is rooted in the Economic Empowerment pillar of his administration’s S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, which focuses on security, healthcare, infrastructure renewal, education advancement, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and digital integration in governance.
He noted that beneficiaries were selected based on need, capacity for enterprise, and readiness to contribute to the economic growth of the LCDA, stating that the objective is to build a self-reliant and productive citizenry.
Furthermore, the council boss acknowledged the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the Renewed Hope/Idera Oluwa de Agenda continues to find meaningful expression at the grassroots level in Ejigbo LCDA.
He affirmed that his administration remains fully aligned with the Federal Government’s policy direction, ensuring that national priorities are translated into local implementation through carefully designed, people-centered programmes.
APC Lagos State Chairman, Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Aare T.A.T for what he described as a bold and people-oriented stride that reflects the true spirit of progressive governance in Ejigbo, Lagos State, and Nigeria at large. He said the initiative demonstrates responsible grassroots leadership, aligning seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision to build an inclusive nation.
“The council boss has not only understood the Renewed Hope philosophy but has translated it into practical action through empowerment, infrastructural renewal, and social intervention programmes that directly impact the lives of the people,” Ojelabi stated.
He further emphasized that President Tinubu’s decision to increase local government allocations has created a stronger platform for councils to deliver visible development, adding that the Ejigbo empowerment programme reflects funds being deployed for the benefit of the people.
“We appeal to beneficiaries to make proper use of the items given and resist the temptation to sell them, as such actions would undermine the purpose of the initiative and render government efforts futile,” Ojelabi added.