Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Dele Oshinowo Disburses N75 Million Grants to 1,500 Petty Traders, Says 'WeLift Is About Impact, Not Headlines'

Agboyi-Ketu Chairman Dele Oshinowo Disburses N75 Million Grants to 1,500 Petty Traders, Says 'WeLift Is About Impact, Not Headlines'

— Senator Abiru Donates Additional N10 Million

By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper

LAGOS – In a resounding show of grassroots governance and economic empowerment, the Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, has distributed N75 million to 1,500 small-scale business owners under his flagship WeLift Community Empowerment Initiative. Each beneficiary received N50,000 to boost their micro-enterprises.

Speaking at the well-attended event held at the council secretariat, Mayor Oshinowo emphasized that the WeLift initiative is not a publicity stunt but a sustained, people-centered intervention designed to transform lives and uplift communities.

“This is not about numbers or headlines,” he stated passionately. “It’s about crafting a deliberate response to the silent struggles around us. WeLift is for the single mothers trading by the roadside, the elderly hustling to survive, and the youths with dreams but no seed capital. Today, we inject N75 million directly into our local economy—real funds, for real people, to make real change.”

Oshinowo revealed that over N200 million was disbursed in similar interventions under the WeLift umbrella last year. He also highlighted other components of the initiative such as WeLift 450, WeLift 400, the Relief 1000 scheme, and health outreaches for senior citizens.

Adding prestige and political weight to the event, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, donated N10 million to expand the reach of the empowerment scheme. He praised Oshinowo’s remarkable achievements, calling him "a pride of Lagos State" and "one of Nigeria's best-performing LCDA Chairmen."

“When my colleagues in the Senate saw the housing projects credited to Lagos, they were shocked to learn it was an LCDA chairman—not even a governor—behind it,” Abiru remarked. “Agboyi-Ketu has become a shining example of what local government leadership should look like.”

The Senator also recalled his visit to the SAIL Innovation Lab and reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructural and social development in Agboyi-Ketu, listing food aid, school renovations, healthcare centers, and road projects among his contributions to the area.

In his remarks, Oshinowo acknowledged Senator Abiru’s consistent support, describing him as “a leader and partner-in-progress.” He noted that Abiru’s initial donation of N5 million helped make the WeLift 1,500 phase possible, and his continued collaboration has significantly enhanced life in Agboyi-Ketu.

Highlighting his track record since assuming office in 2017, Oshinowo detailed landmark achievements such as the construction of over 67 kilometers of roads, modern school buildings, housing estates, ICT facilities, healthcare centers, and an upcoming state-of-the-art sports complex.

“If anyone still questions what local government can achieve, I say come to Agboyi-Ketu,” he declared. “We’ve set a benchmark in governance that is people-centered, transparent, and impactful.”

He urged future leaders of the LCDA to maintain the momentum. “If you’re planning to succeed me, Agboyi-Ketu must be your number one priority. Surpass me—that’s my advice.”

Other dignitaries at the event included Hon. Femi Saheed of the Lagos House of Assembly, former LCDA Chairperson Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, and the Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom.

Sharing a personal anecdote, Hon. Saheed encouraged the beneficiaries, revealing how he started a business with just N30,000 in 1997 and turned it into a multi-million-naira enterprise. “There’s no help that’s too small,” he said as he added a personal donation of N1 million to support more traders.

Beneficiaries confirmed receipt of the N50,000 grants via credit alerts. Mrs. Abigail Olajide, a trader, said she would expand her inventory, while Mr. Emmanuel Ojo expressed hope that the funds would help grow his business.

“I believe this is the start of something greater. I’m deeply grateful to the Chairman and his team,” Ojo told Trek Africa Newspaper.

Agboyi-Ketu LCDA was recently honored with the Grassroots Development Icon of the Year award by Vanguard Newspaper, a recognition Mayor Oshinowo dedicated to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the people of Agboyi-Ketu.

“We have chosen to model a government that sees and serves the vulnerable,” Oshinowo concluded. “This vision will not dim. The pace will not stop.”