In line with its commitment to improving the welfare of residents, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has empowered 100 vulnerable women with ₦100,000 each through its Poverty Alleviation Cash Grant initiative to support and expand their businesses. The council also introduced a ₦20,000 monthly stipend for over 100 aged residents, reaffirming its commitment to economic empowerment, social welfare, and improving the living standards of vulnerable members of the community.

Speaking at the programme, Hon. Mathew Alliu, Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, who represented the Executive Chairman, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, said the initiative was designed to provide meaningful support to vulnerable women and senior citizens. He disclosed that the monthly ₦20,000 stipend for the elderly would continue for as long as the administration remains in office, ensuring they have financial support for feeding, medication, and other basic needs.

On the business grants, Hon. Alliu explained that the administration deliberately opted for cash support instead of distributing equipment, noting that beneficiaries of previous empowerment programmes often sold the items immediately after collection. According to him, the ₦100,000 grants would enable recipients to inject capital directly into their existing businesses or establish new ventures.

He further revealed that the council is restructuring its empowerment programme by partnering with vocational training institutions, where beneficiaries will first acquire practical skills before receiving tools and equipment upon graduation. He said the approach would ensure sustainable empowerment and long-term economic growth.

In her remarks, Mrs. Omowunmi Apanishile, Wife of the Executive Chairman, described the initiative as part of the administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable women and caring for the elderly. She explained that while the ₦100,000 business grant is a one-off intervention and the second edition of the programme after the council’s first 100 days in office, the ₦20,000 support for aged residents would be a continuous monthly stipend to assist with feeding, healthcare, and other essential needs.

She urged the elderly beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money, particularly for their medication and welfare, while encouraging the women entrepreneurs to invest the grants wisely in businesses they are passionate about. According to her, prudent use of the funds would enable them to expand their businesses, become financially independent, and eventually create employment opportunities for others.

Also speaking, Otunba Olasunkanmi Tijani, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ikorodu Division, commended Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile and his wife for the laudable initiative. He noted that the intervention would strengthen small businesses owned by women while providing much-needed financial relief to elderly residents to meet their basic needs.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Bose, one of the women entrepreneurs, expressed appreciation to the Chairman and his wife for the ₦100,000 business grant, describing it as timely support that would help her restock her business and improve her income. She prayed for the continued success of the administration.

Similarly, Pa Adeolu, one of the elderly beneficiaries, thanked the council for introducing the monthly ₦20,000 stipend, noting that the support would go a long way in assisting him with the purchase of food items and medication. He described the initiative as a demonstration of genuine care for senior citizens and prayed for God’s continued guidance upon the council leadership.