Hon. Sola Giwa Disburses ₦25m to 500 Beneficiaries Under SEED Empowerment Initiative

Hon. Sola Giwa Disburses ₦25m to 500 Beneficiaries Under SEED Empowerment Initiative

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, has disbursed ₦25 million to 500 beneficiaries under the SEED Empowerment Initiative, a grassroots-focused programme aimed at promoting economic inclusion and supporting low-income earners across the state.

The initiative, designed to cushion the impact of prevailing economic challenges, targets artisans, petty traders, transport operators, micro-entrepreneurs and other financially vulnerable individuals, providing them with direct financial support to enhance productivity and self-reliance.

Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Giwa described SEED Empowerment as a deliberate intervention anchored on the belief that sustainable development must begin with the empowerment of people at the grassroots. According to him, economic dignity and inclusion remain critical to social stability and long-term growth.

“This programme is not charity, but an intentional effort to help hardworking Lagosians strengthen their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he stated.

Each beneficiary received financial support structured to serve as start-up capital, business expansion funding or economic stabilisation assistance, depending on individual needs. The intervention is expected to help revive small businesses affected by economic fluctuations while encouraging enterprise growth and financial independence.

The selection process, organisers noted, was guided by transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that beneficiaries were drawn from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds without discrimination. This approach, Hon. Giwa explained, reflects the initiative’s core objective of promoting equitable access to economic opportunities.

Observers say the SEED Empowerment Initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s broader agenda on poverty reduction, inclusive growth and economic diversification, complementing existing macroeconomic policies with targeted community-level support.

Beyond the financial component, beneficiaries were encouraged to utilise the funds responsibly, with emphasis placed on sustainability, accountability and long-term economic impact rather than short-term relief.

Community leaders and stakeholders have commended the programme, describing it as a practical and people-oriented intervention that goes beyond symbolic empowerment schemes. Many beneficiaries also expressed gratitude, noting that the support has renewed their confidence and improved their capacity to sustain their livelihoods.

The SEED Empowerment Initiative, officials say, is structured to generate multiplier effects within local communities, as strengthened micro-businesses contribute to job creation, household stability and local economic growth.

As Lagos State continues to address the challenges of urbanization and economic transition, initiatives such as SEED Empowerment underscore the role of targeted grassroots interventions in fostering shared prosperity and social cohesion.

Written by:
Adebayo Taofiq
Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA