In a major move to strengthen local businesses and promote financial independence, the Damola Tosin Ogunlaja Foundation (DTO) has distributed 200 free POS machines to traders and business owners across the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State.

The empowerment program, held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 24 Odofin Street, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, attracted community leaders, council executives, and hundreds of beneficiaries from various parts of the LCDA. The initiative is part of the foundation’s ongoing effort to empower small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and boost local economic development.

In his welcome address, the Founder of DTO Foundation, Prince Damola Tosin Ogunlaja, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the program and to the guests for their presence despite busy schedules. He appreciated his team for their hard work and dedication in making the initiative possible.

Highlighting the foundation’s journey so far, Ogunlaja noted that DTO Foundation has implemented various impactful projects across Igbogbo, Ijede, Imota, and neighboring towns — including the distribution of JAMB and GCE forms to indigent students, payment of hospital bills for the less privileged, medical outreaches, provision of relief materials, and forums to curb drug abuse among youths.

He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to social welfare, describing the POS distribution as an investment into the future of the beneficiaries, not a free giveaway.

“This is not a piece of national cake or free fund but our investment in your future,” he said. “We are committed to raising a new set of financially independent individuals and will continue to monitor your progress as part of your success story.”

Ogunlaja emphasized that DTO Foundation operates as a non-governmental, self-funded organization, driven by passion for community development. He also pledged continued support for government-led development initiatives under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Lagos State Government, and local council chairmen.

The Baba Oloja General of the market, Chief Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, addressed the audience on the importance of the POS machines, urging beneficiaries to use them responsibly to expand their businesses and ease transactions.

During interviews, beneficiaries expressed excitement and gratitude. Alhaja Latifat Lawal, a provision seller, described the gesture as “a great favor,” noting that most of her customers prefer to pay through cards or transfers, making the POS machine a vital tool for her business.

Another beneficiary, Alhaji Shita Bey Kabiru, praised the foundation’s effort, saying the program would “help recruit more people into small-scale businesses and give them a means of livelihood.” He lauded the founder for “laying a foundation others in the community can emulate.”

Dignitaries in attendance at the event included Prince Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Chairman, Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA; Hon. Basirat A. Banjoko, Leader, Legislative House, IBLCDA; Hon. Hakeem A. Solawon, Deputy Leader, Legislative House, IBLCDA; Hon. Saidat A. Odeyemi, Councillor, Ward C3; Hon. Yusuf O. Bello, Councillor, Ward C4; Chief Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, Baba Oloja General, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA; Lion (Alh.) Ashake Sonubi-Wahab; Mr. Leke Shoderu; and other community stakeholders.

The atmosphere throughout the event was relaxed, positive, and filled with appreciation, as participants commended the DTO Foundation for its consistent impact in empowering residents and fostering entrepreneurship.