Surulere council empowers 850 residents with business starter packs, grants

To enhance the socio-economic status of its residents, the Surulere Local Council in Lagos State has empowered over 850 individuals with various items and financial grants.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of Surulere Council Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf said the initiative, which marks his administration’s three years of transformative service delivery, aims to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth.

The items distributed to 600 beneficiaries include deep freezers, generators, industrial sewing machines, and grinding machines. About 250 individuals also received N100,000 each as financial grants.

Yusuf affirmed his dedication to easing the people’s socio-economic situation, promising that such programmes will continue. The chairman reiterated his dedication to the well-being of Surulere residents. He emphasised that supporting local businesses and trades leads to prosperity within the community.

Speaking on the mode of selection, he said it involved different organisations, women and youth bodies, community development associations, and tribes in the council.

Yusuf urged beneficiaries to utilise the resources to grow businesses, create jobs, and contribute to the community’s economic growth. He added that all groups were given slots to promote equity and transparency.

A beneficiary, Mobolaji Deka, commended Yusuf for the gesture, saying not all local government chairmen make an impact in their area.Dignitaries from federal, state, and local governments attended the event, including Cornelius Ojelabi, chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State; Robert Bibire, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Matters; Lanre Okunlola, House of Rep member, Surulere Constituency 2; Barakat Odunuga, special assistant on housing to the governor; and Kamal Baiyewu, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.