On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, announced a strategic ₦100 million grant aimed at strengthening micro and small-scale enterprises within the community. The announcement was the highlight of a graduation ceremony for 1,000 beneficiaries of the council’s Skills Elevation Programme.
The initiative represents a shift toward “operational realism”—combining high-demand vocational training with direct liquidity to ensure that new entrepreneurs can immediately compete in the modern marketplace.
1. The Skills Elevation Programme: 1,000 New Experts
The graduates underwent intensive vocational and digital training at the council secretariat to equip them with practical, income-generating skills.
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Vocational Tracks: Catering, food processing, fashion design, make-up, gele styling, hair styling, and sandal making.
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Technical Tracks: Digital technology and home essentials production (soaps, detergents, etc.).
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Solar Initiative: A specialized batch also focused on solar electrification and renewable energy installation to address local power challenges.
2. The ₦100 Million Grant Strategy
The grant is not a standalone handout but a coordinated intervention delivered in partnership with Speed Up Lagos (Anti-Poverty Squad).
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Target Audience: Specifically designed for youths and women running micro-businesses.
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Macro-Stabilization: By injecting ₦100 million at the grassroots level, the council aims to close the liquidity gap that often causes small informal businesses to fail.
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Community Resilience: Historically, Agege has used these empowerment structures to maintain social stability and reduce poverty-driven crime.
3. Leadership & Institutional Alignment
The event featured significant political and educational figures, reinforcing the initiative’s alignment with the broader “social contract” of Lagos State.
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Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa (Council Chairman): Stated that the program underscores a commitment to “sustainable empowerment” rather than short-term palliatives.
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Dr. Sherifat Adedoyin (SUBEB): Noted that the programme supports the state’s goal of fostering a self-reliant workforce.
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Legacy of Continuity: Former Chairman Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi commended the administration for consolidating and expanding existing empowerment frameworks.
Agege LG Empowerment Snapshot (Feb 2026)
“With the digital skills acquired here and the grant support, our youth can confidently compete in the global tech space and drive the local economy.” — Hon. Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, February 2026.
