Agege Local Council, in partnership with the Lagos State Empowerment Trust Fund (LSETF), has strengthened the capacity of over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by equipping them with knowledge on accessing opportunities, finance, and developing business structures. The initiative culminated in a graduation and cheque presentation ceremony held at Agege Local Council Hall.
The programme provided participants with the requisite tools to access LSETF loans ranging from N50,000 to N5 million at a 9% interest rate. Chairman of Agege Local Council, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, emphasized that the graduation marked the activation of new economic opportunities within the area.
Economic Empowerment at the Core
Obasa stated that over 200 entrepreneurs have been prepared not just through training, but positioned for growth, structure, and access to finance. He described the intervention as one that moves people from survival to sustainability and from sustainability to scale, aligning with the council's vision for Agege.
Since the inception of his administration, Obasa noted that a deliberate and strategic approach to governance has placed economic empowerment at the centre of development. He highlighted investments in critical infrastructure, the local enterprise ecosystem, and support for artisans, traders, and creatives as foundations for a resilient local economy.
“Our fashion and creative hubs are not just projects, they are platforms for productivity. Our enterprise engagements are not just programmes, they are pipelines for growth,” he said. Obasa charged graduating entrepreneurs to rise to the responsibility of growth, build lasting businesses, create multiplying value, and become catalysts for economic transformation in their communities.
Partnership as a Blueprint
Executive Secretary of LSETF, Feyisayo Alayande, described the ceremony as a statement that transformation becomes inevitable when government works closely with communities, partnerships are intentional, and opportunities are made accessible. Over the past four weeks, the fund worked with over 200 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises in Agege, preparing them for access to opportunity, structure, and finance.
Alayande further stated that the partnership between LSETF and Agege Local Council serves as a blueprint demonstrating how local government can collaborate with state institutions to bring opportunities closer to the people.
