To demonstrate its commitment to grassroots development and economic empowerment, the Surulere Council, Lagos State, has provided financial support and business equipment to hundreds of residents.

The local government gave the support yesterday at its 2026 Empowerment Programme themed “Building Capacity for Sustainable Growth” held at the Council Secretariat in Surulere.

The event attracted distinguished guests, community leaders, market associations, artisans, youths, women groups, and stakeholders from across the local government.

Delivering his address at the event, Chairman, Surulere Council, Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf, described the programme as a significant milestone in the council’s journey toward sustainable development and improved welfare for residents.

According to him, the empowerment initiative represents a clear demonstration of purposeful governance focused on creating opportunities and improving livelihoods.

“This empowerment programme is not just an event but a statement of purpose. It reflects our administration’s unwavering belief that true governance must touch lives, create opportunities, and uplift communities,” the chairman stated.

He further emphasised that empowering residents, particularly youths, women, and small business owners, remains a critical strategy for strengthening the local economy and securing the future of the community.

“We understand that when our people are empowered, Surulere is empowered. When our youths are productive, our future is secured. Likewise, when our women and small business owners thrive, our economy grows stronger,” he added.

As part of the programme, 304 residents benefited from cash grants, while several others received essential business equipment aimed at supporting their vocational and entrepreneurial activities.

Items distributed during the empowerment exercise include: 250 Deep Freezers, 60 Sewing Machines, 65 Generators, four Grinding Machines, five Digital Machines, one Gas Refilling Equipment, three Large Baking Ovens, and several other business support equipment.

According to the organisers, the distribution of these items is expected to significantly boost productivity among beneficiaries, enabling them to establish new businesses, expand existing enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth within the local government area.

The chairman urged beneficiaries to utilise the resources responsibly and see the opportunity as a foundation for growth and long-term success.

“To the beneficiaries here today, I urge you to see this not just as assistance but as a responsibility, a responsibility to grow, create impact, and extend the same spirit of empowerment to others within our community,” he advised.

In recognition of the vital role women play in economic and social development, the chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting women’s inclusion and economic advancement, aligning with the national development vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Community stakeholders and leaders present at the programme commended the leadership of Sulaimon Bamidele Yusuf for prioritising initiatives that directly impact residents, noting that the empowerment programme would provide long-term economic benefits to families and businesses across the community.

Beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the local government, describing the support received as timely, impactful, and capable of transforming their livelihoods.

The empowerment programme forms part of the council’s broader socio-economic development strategy aimed at promoting inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening economic resilience among residents.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining similar initiatives in the future as part of ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of residents and foster community development across Surulere local government.