The lawmaker representing Lagos Island Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Suleiman Olanrewaju Afinni, has distributed capital equipment to artisans and cash support of ₦50,000 each to some 500 petty traders in his constituency, reports ITREALMS.
This, ITREALMS gathered was in a move aimed at boosting small businesses and alleviating the economic hardship faced by residents.
The empowerment initiative formed part of activities at the 2025 Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held simultaneously across the 40 state constituencies with the theme: “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.” The Lagos Island II edition took place at the Lagos City Centre on Thursday.
Addressing stakeholders, Hon. Afinni emphasized that the initiative was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Lagos State Assembly’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits of governance.
“We have identified 120 artisans from various associations namely tailors, caterers, screen printers, barbers and others. Through their leaders, we conducted a raffle draw to ensure fairness in selection. In addition, 500 petty traders received ₦50,000 each, totaling ₦25 million, to support their businesses. These are people who sell noodles, biscuits, and soft drinks in front of their homes just to make ends meet,” Afinni explained.
He assured constituents of continued progress, promising to take up pressing issues such as the provision of potable water and the facelift of Jamatul Islamiyat School at the House of Assembly for urgent intervention.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Lagos Island East LCDA, Mayor Muibi Alade Folawiyo, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support.
“The equipment and cash support are meant to improve livelihoods. The petty traders should reinvest the money into their businesses rather than divert it for immediate consumption,” Folawiyo advised.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development had commenced the construction of an “Iron Shopping Mall” at the Adeniji-Adele axis to further boost commercial activities in the area.
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The empowerment initiative formed part of activities at the 2025 Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held simultaneously across the 40 state constituencies with the theme: “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.” The Lagos Island II edition took place at the Lagos City Centre on Thursday.
Addressing stakeholders, Hon. Afinni emphasized that the initiative was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Lagos State Assembly’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits of governance.
“We have identified 120 artisans from various associations namely tailors, caterers, screen printers, barbers and others. Through their leaders, we conducted a raffle draw to ensure fairness in selection. In addition, 500 petty traders received ₦50,000 each, totaling ₦25 million, to support their businesses. These are people who sell noodles, biscuits, and soft drinks in front of their homes just to make ends meet,” Afinni explained.
He assured constituents of continued progress, promising to take up pressing issues such as the provision of potable water and the facelift of Jamatul Islamiyat School at the House of Assembly for urgent intervention.
“The equipment and cash support are meant to improve livelihoods. The petty traders should reinvest the money into their businesses rather than divert it for immediate consumption,” Folawiyo advised.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development had commenced the construction of an “Iron Shopping Mall” at the Adeniji-Adele axis to further boost commercial activities in the area.
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Beneficiaries and stakeholders expressed gratitude to Hon. Afinni for his intervention. Mrs. Bada Fatima, Financial Secretary of the Lagos Island II Artisans Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT), said the support would go a long way in empowering members.
“These equipment will assist our members to grow their businesses, thereby bringing progress and stability to families,” she noted.
The meeting attracted a wide range of stakeholders including representatives of the Oba of Lagos, white cap chiefs, party stalwarts, Islamic scholars, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of African traditional religion, Asoju-Oja General, CDC members, youths, and executives from local government areas.
Hon. Afinni concluded by reaffirming that the Lagos State Assembly would continue to champion the interests of the people while providing transparent accounts of stewardship.
*Gbemi Omotoso/Editor
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