Oluwatobi Adu 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA) disburses ₦10 million in grants to 100 residents and distributes 500 free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to indigent students in a bid to ease economic hardship and expand access to education.
The empowerment programme, held Friday at the council secretariat, provides traders, artisans and vulnerable residents with ₦100,000 each as non-repayable grants to support their small businesses.
Council Chairman Lukmon Agbaje, represented by council secretary Ahmad Yusuff, says the initiative targets hardworking residents struggling with rising economic pressures.
“These direct cash grants of ₦100,000 each are targeting traders, artisans and vulnerable households to boost small businesses and provide relief amid economic challenges,” Yusuff says.
He adds that the programme reflects the administration’s campaign promise to expand economic opportunities and support education.
“Our administration remains committed to creating opportunities that uplift our people and strengthen the economic and educational foundation of our community.”
Council manager Bankole Bawa describes the grants as a vote of confidence in local entrepreneurs.
“These grants are more than financial support; they are a testament to our belief in your ingenuity, resilience and determination,” Bawa says.
Beneficiaries welcome the intervention, describing it as timely.
Grant recipient Wunmi Oladejo says the funds will help her start a business capable of supporting her family.
Student beneficiary Sunday Aderoju, who receives a free UTME form, says the programme opens the door to higher education.
The council also urges students to utilise its UTME coaching centres to improve performance in the 2026 university entrance examinations.
Officials say the initiative forms part of broader grassroots policies aimed at economic empowerment, youth education and community development.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Chukwu Obinna