A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Lofty Inc Allied Partners is set to uplift rural communities in Southwest states particularly in Ogun, Oyo and Osun States through its ‘Loftyinc Grant Competition Project Lift’.

It said the projects ranged from borehole, solar lights, and agricultural activities among others, describing the initiative as laudable projects that will improve livelihoods of beneficiaries and economic growth of the communities.

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan at the “Lofty Inc Grant Competition Project Lift Close-Out Meeting”, the Project Lead, Oluwatoyin Ayinde, said the purpose of the award ceremony for the community grant competition which began last year, was to empower rural communities and ensure they have basic essentials and also improve their welfare.

According to him, the livelihoods of members of the rural communities will improve at the end of the projects in selected communities.

He noted that the projects will also provide job opportunities to beneficiaries and those that will work on it to ensure its implementation in various communities.

He said: “We have captured 450 communities across three states, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun. From 450 communities, we streamlined them to 100, from 100 communities, we streamlined them to 15 communities per state, and now, we are having the top three from each state which is a total of nine winners.

He said the projects have brought out lofty ideas as communities are starting their work next week, adding that he envisaged fantastic success of the projects by the end of December.

Speaking on maintenance of the project, Ayinde said, “One of what we did during application for the project was to look at the sustainability of the projects, we looked at a project that will be implemented and has little cost to maintain which will also impact quality. On our own path, we also looked forward to providing advice for these communities in terms of their businesses and careers.”

He however urged the government at all levels to empower rural communities through economic activities targeted towards the uplift of people at the grassroots.