Kosofe Local Government under the leadership of Barr. Moyosore Ogunlewe on Monday, 24th of November rolled out the second phase of its N100 million Empowerment Scheme, targeting artisans and tradesmen across the council area. A total of 250 beneficiaries received financial support designed to boost small businesses, enhance craftsmanship, and stimulate local economic growth.

The event, held at the Council Secretariat in Ogudu/Ojota, featured the distribution of N25 million to skilled workers drawn from various professional groups including electricians, mechanics, carpenters, tailors, welders, plumbers and other artisan associations.

The initiative forms part of the council’s broader strategy to strengthen the informal sector and promote self-reliance among residents.

In his address, the Executive Chairman, Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, represented by Hon. Fatai Gbadebo, the immediate past SLG, described artisans as “the backbone of the local economy, whose hands build, repair, and sustain the community daily.”

He said the empowerment programme was conceived not merely as cash support but as “an investment in knowledge, enterprise, and economic independence.”

Ogunlewe noted that the first phase of the empowerment scheme, held the previous week, catered to the general public, underscoring his administration’s commitment to inclusive and progressive development. He urged the beneficiaries to deploy the funds responsibly and channel them toward business expansion, skill enhancement, tool upgrades, and the training of apprentices.

“This support should catalyse business expansion, upgrade your tools, enhance your skills, and enable you to employ apprentices,” he said. “You are not just beneficiaries — you are economic multipliers.”

The chairman further announced that the empowerment programme will continue in the coming weeks, with widows scheduled to receive support on December 2 and youths on December 8.

He added that the initiative aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build a productive and economically vibrant state.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Party Chairman and the APC Leader, who both commended Ogunlewe for prioritising grassroots empowerment. They urged beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely, cautioning against frivolous spending.

“This money should not be spent on parties or unnecessary celebrations,” they advised. “Use it to start a business or support the one you are already running. Let it be invested in something tangible and meaningful.”

They also encouraged artisans to uphold high standards of craftsmanship and leverage the empowerment to uplift themselves and contribute to the growth of their communities.