By Oluwaseun Nubi
Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State has urged beneficiaries of its ₦100 million empowerment scheme to use the funds wisely for sustainable livelihoods and community development.
Council Chairman, Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe, gave the advice on Monday at the conclusion of the programme, where 250 youths received financial support as final beneficiaries.
Ogunlewe, represented by former council secretary, Mr Fatai Gbadebo, said the initiative was not charity but a strategic investment in people.
He said the scheme targeted human capital development, entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth within the local government.
According to him, beneficiaries should establish businesses, acquire skills, expand ventures and create employment opportunities for others.
“This empowerment comes with responsibility. Beneficiaries must act as change agents, growing these funds into ventures that uplift families and the wider community,” he said.
Gbadebo said the scheme addressed economic hardship, youth unemployment and financial exclusion at the grassroots.
He said it aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s development policies and Lagos State’s THEMES+ Agenda on inclusive growth and job creation.
The chairman reaffirmed commitment to people-centred governance, describing the scheme as evidence of impactful public service.
He urged residents to support the administration and promised more socio-economic programmes for Kosofe.
Also speaking, House Leader, Mr Olufemi Ademola, said beneficiaries were educated that the funds were not for social activities or celebrations.
“This money is not for partying; it is meant to improve livelihoods and create economic value,” Ademola said.
He stressed the funds were public resources requiring strict responsibility and accountability.
“These are public funds entrusted to beneficiaries, which is why we are monitoring closely,” he said.
Ademola said structures were in place to track progress, offer guidance and assess fund utilisation, stressing that effective use would determine subsequent empowerment initiatives.
“Proper utilisation will help us commence another phase in January 2026,” he said.
Mr Kehinde Omoteyinse, Local Government Committee Initiative (LGCI), Kosofe Coordinator, commended the chairman for prioritising youth inclusion.
“I was surprised youths were the last set to benefit from the ₦100 million fund,” Omoteyinse said.
He said voter card requirements prompted youth mobilisation for registration.
“The major criterion is having a voter’s card, so I mobilised youths to register,” he said.
Omoteyinse disclosed that over 500 youths were registered for new, lost and damaged voter cards.
He described the funds as modest but impactful if properly utilised. “It cannot eradicate poverty, but artisans can buy materials and improve livelihoods,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since Nov. 17, the council disbursed ₦25 million in four phases to 1,000 beneficiaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
