The Special Adviser on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor has empowered 500 small business owners in Lagos Island as part of efforts to support grassroots economic activity and strengthen participation in the All Progressives Congress’s ongoing nationwide e-membership registration exercise.
The empowerment initiative, which involved financial grants to party members in the Lagos Island Local Government Area, was announced during an event held at the Epetedo Premier Club. The grants were targeted at business owners and party members actively involved in the registration and mobilisation drive.
The governor’s aide said the initiative was designed as a form of appreciation to party members who have remained committed, noting that the party provided the platform for his own political growth. He explained that while the programme was initially planned for 200 beneficiaries, it was expanded to 500 to further motivate members during the registration period.
According to him, the exercise is less about the monetary value of the grants and more about recognising loyalty and encouraging members to register, re-register and mobilise others at the community level. He added that the gesture was a way of giving back and reinforcing collective responsibility within the party.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Lagos Island Constituency I described the initiative as a welcome intervention that would ease the pressure often placed on elected officials. He commended the empowerment programme, noting that many of the beneficiaries were grassroots supporters and voters who also deserved tangible support. He added that the governor’s aide has consistently contributed to development efforts in Lagos Island and the state at large.
The Chairman of the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area said the empowerment scheme would help boost membership and participation within the LCDA. He noted that beneficiaries were required to be registered party members, a condition he said would encourage them to mobilise others in their communities and strengthen the party’s base.
Observers say such empowerment initiatives, when properly structured, can provide short-term relief for small business owners while also serving as a political mobilisation tool at the grassroots level, especially during party registration exercises.
