Tamroyal Multipurpose Hall, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos State was full to the brim on Thursday, 19 September, 2024. It was the occasion where the hardworking Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, disbursed N50 million to empower 1,000 vulnerable residents in the council area, reports thegazellenews.com.
In his speech at the occasion, Oshinowo pledged his the administration’s commitment to empowering residents, especially the most vulnerable.
The council boss said though he has nine months left to end his tenure, he vowed to continue not to disappoint the people of his council area.
“We will continue to do our best till the last minute of this present administration. The assistance we were rendering to the residents today reaches those who need it most regardless of their background, religion, tribe or creed,” Oshinowo said.
“This is a testament to the vision we’ve had since 2018. Our goal has been clear: to raise, support, and empower the people of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, especially those who need it the most,” Oshinowo said, just as he also emphasized that the initiative aims to provide financial assistance, dignity, empowerment, and opportunities to those in need of it so as to make a positive impact on their lives.
“We understood then, as we do now, that true progress is not only seen in bricks and mortar but also in the lives of those who carry the weight of building our local economy,” the council boss said.
Oshinowo explained that the selection process for beneficiaries involved critical community bodies, including the Community Development Associations (CDAs), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Artisans, League of Imams and Alfas, and Market unions.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to holistic development, including infrastructure advancement and human capital development. Recent projects include the commissioning of 170 housing units at Raymond Estate, launch of a co-economic ICT hub in partnership with SAIL, construction of new classrooms, and development of state-of-the-art public facilities like commercial park and Agboyi town football pitch.
He noted that the initiative aligns with sustainable development goals, focusing on poverty reduction, quality education, sustainable cities, and economic growth. Mayor Dele Oshinowo thanked partners, including Momo Payment Service Bank, and the team behind the initiative.
“We are not just giving; we are building, we are creating a community where opportunity, hope, and prosperity are shared among all,” he said.
Speakers after speakers at the occasion showered praises on Oshinowo for his initiatives of putting smiles on the faces of the residents of the council area since his assumption in office.
In his keynote address, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District applauded Oshinowo for the N50 million We Lift Programme of his administration, just as he also acknowledged Oshinowo’s commitment to community welfare and timely response to residents’ needs, saying it reflects the party’s ideals.
Senator Abiru expressed his appreciation to the party both in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and Lagos State, saying the achievements achieved so far in the state was made possible by the party platform and the qualities of the leaders in charge of it.
“The platform of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) has made what we are witnessing today in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, in other council areas in the state and Nigeria as a whole possible. Quality leaders we have at the helm of affairs have been very outstanding in their commitment to the welfare of the people.
“That is why we are witnessing dividends of democracy in action. Continuity has made this possible for our people to see what the party is doing to make their lives better. Thank you very much our party leaders for your contribution in making our people see dividends of democracy,” the lawmaker said.
Senator Abiru also expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic management and social intervention programmes. These, according to him, include Conditional Cash Transfer, Food Support Programme, and Student Loans.
Abiru also acknowledged Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s social intervention programs, such as special food markets and scholarship programmes. According to him, these initiatives demonstrate the state’s commitment to residents’ welfare.
He pledged N5 million to support the initiative of Mayor Oshinowo in the LCDA.
In his address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Dayo Bush Alebiosu praised Oshinowo for his outstanding and amazing contribution to the development of the council area, especially his empowerment initiatives.
“I am proud of Mayor Dele Oshinowo for doing this to the residents of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. About a month ago, we were here in this LCDA to commission a housing estate. You’re doing absolutely well; your administration has been fantastic.
“You have been one of the most outstanding council boss in the Lagos State and your achievements in the LCDA since your assumption of office speak for you. That is why we see sea of heads here today. People in your council have seen your commitment to their welfare and everywhere you go in the community, you are being received warmly. This shows that you have been a great ambassador of democracy, making dividends of democracy available to the people of the LCDA,” the Commissioner said.
Alebiosu, who also urged the beneficiaries of We Lift Cash Support Initiative to utilize the funds wisely, pledged the sum of N500,000 to support the initiative of the council boss.
The Executive Director of Internal Audit at Momo Payment Service Bank (PSB), Dr. Howard Edafe, commended Oshinowo, for the opportunity given to residents of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
Edafe, who expressed gratitude to Oshinowo for the opportunity to partner with the LCDA, also highlighted Momo PSB’s goal of promoting financial inclusion, making banking services easily accessible.
The pioneer Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, commended the leadership of Oshinowo for his efforts in empowering the people. Specifically, Arobieke praised his initiatives, noting that this is the third empowerment programme she has attended under his leadership.
