The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (TAT), has officially launched the Mega Empowerment Initiative, a large-scale economic intervention aimed at supporting small businesses, uplifting vulnerable groups, and driving grassroots prosperity across the six political wards in the council.
Taiwo described the programme as “a defining chapter in our journey toward sustainable development, economic liberation, and inclusive governance,” assuring that no resident would be left behind in the pursuit of economic independence.
Under the empowerment scheme, 100 beneficiaries received N200,000 each in direct business support, while 10 young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 were given N500,000 each through the Ejigbo Youth Startup Fund to establish innovative enterprises. The initiative also features mentorship and partnership opportunities facilitated by private-sector investors and business leaders to promote sustainable enterprise growth.
In addition, over 400 residents benefited from enterprise support, business tools, and capacity-building opportunities. More than 300 beneficiaries received items such as deep freezers, pepper grinding machines, vulcanising machines, hair dryers, ovens, sewing machines, POS terminals with startup funds, barbing clippers with generators, popcorn machines, cobbler machines, Nikon cameras, shawarma and grilling equipment, and other trade-support materials to enhance their productivity.
Taiwo explained that the initiative aligns with the economic development policy under his administration’s S.H.I.E.L.D Agenda, which focuses on creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering inclusive growth. He stated that beneficiaries were selected based on need, business capacity, and readiness to contribute to the economic growth of the community, noting that the goal is to “build a self-reliant and productive citizenry.”
The council chairman commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope and Idera Oluwa de Agenda have continued to inspire meaningful development at the grassroots level. He said the council’s programmes are designed to align with federal policies to ensure that national priorities are effectively implemented locally through people-centered initiatives.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also commended Taiwo for what he described as a “bold and people-oriented stride that reflects the true spirit of progressive governance.”
Ojelabi added that the Ejigbo Mega Empowerment Initiative demonstrates “responsible leadership at the grassroots,” emphasizing that Taiwo has translated the Renewed Hope philosophy into visible action through empowerment, infrastructural renewal, and social intervention programmes that directly impact residents.
He further stated that the President’s decision to increase council allocations has strengthened local governments, enabling them to deliver more visible development. Ojelabi noted that the Ejigbo empowerment programme is a direct example of how government funds are being utilized for the benefit of the people.
He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment and funds provided, advising them not to sell the items. He warned that selling them would undermine the purpose of the initiative and make government efforts to promote economic independence ineffective.
