Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK), Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Pioneer of Real Acts of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation, has once again demonstrated his commitment to human capacity and community development. On Friday, November 1st, 2024, he hosted the second edition of his RAK Trader Money initiative, empowering over 150 petty traders in Badagry Federation (Badagry-West LCDA, Olorunda LCDA, and Badagry LG) with N20,000 each.

The intervention, held at Sycomore Hotel, Ajara, Badagry, aimed to support small businesses in the midst of the prevalent economic challenges, providing much needed succour to the Badagry populace. Hon. Ogunlende emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “These are pure water sellers, corn, vegetable, pepper, sweets, soft drinks and fish sellers with no shops of their own. These are a set of traders that need small amount of money to boost their businesses, they need our assistance,” he said.

He further urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely, saying, “Please don’t use this money to buy clothes or spend on food or to enjoy yourself, but (to buy) more pure or bottled water and anything you are selling to boost your trades.”

Ogunlende also appealed to other public officials and privileged members of the society to join in the effort to uplift the entire Badagry community. He highlighted the positive impact of the first edition of the initiative and expressed his commitment to continuing these efforts.

Mrs. Sewede Pot-Balogun, the Coordinator of Ogunlende Progressive Movement (OPM) and Head of the Organizing Committee, praised the Commissioner’s consistent efforts and commitment to the wellbeing of the Badagry populace. She cited the various businesses that the Commissioner has boosted in recent years through significant investments in working tools and wares. She also reaffirmed her conviction that the Commissioner has much more benefits in wait for the Badagry populace.

Mr. Gafar Meyon, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Badagry Federation, praised Ogunlende’s frequent interventions and support for the community. He highlighted various palliative interventions held earlier in the year and previous years, as well as other behind-the-scenes efforts undertaken by the Commissioner.

Mrs. Nurat Zubair-Olayinka, former Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Olorunda LCDA, commended Ogunlende for his initiative. She echoed the need for beneficiaries to make the best use of the funds to expand their businesses and make life more abundant for themselves.

Registering her commendation for the great works of Ogunlende, Alhaja Modinat Adebayo, the Education Secretary of Badagry Local Government, acknowledged Ogunlende’s significant contributions to the education sector as well, including the procurement and distribution of laptops to a group of teachers, interventions for regular and special needs students, among many other interventions.

The beneficiaries also took turns to express their gratitude for the support. Mrs. Zainab Adio from Ibereko showered Mobolaji Ogunlende with heartfelt prayers of continued blessings, protection and growth in capacity.

Mrs. Idiat Folorunsho, a pap seller, shared how the funds would enable her to resume her business, which had been affected by the rising cost of maize.

As Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (RAK) continues his mission to empower and uplift communities, his commitment to social development continues to touch and inspire many.

Also in attendance were Apex Leaders such as; Pa M. Z Ogunbiyi, Ade Agoro,  Hon. Teliat Adele Adeosun, Alhaja Kike Ladipo, Alhaja Monisola Adeshina, Alhaja Osenatu, Elder Gbededo, Baale of Asheri Community, Pa Simeon Dansu among others.