In a significant move to bolster education and local commerce, Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon, popularly known as OKLA, representing Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has disbursed ₦36 million in financial support to students and entrepreneurs. The empowerment program, held in Anthony Village, saw 110 tertiary undergraduates and 250 small business owners receive ₦100,000 each to navigate the current economic climate.
The disbursement was facilitated through the Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde Okanlawon Scholarship Scheme, now in its third edition. Addressing the crowd of beneficiaries, Okanlawon emphasized that the initiative is a deliberate effort to ensure students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria remain focused on their academic pursuits. “Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and access to opportunities, we aim to strengthen local enterprises, stimulate innovation, and improve livelihoods,” Okanlawon stated.
Despite the political nature of such events, the Chairman of the scholarship scheme, Lekan Alli-Balogun, noted that the selection process was insulated from external influence. He highlighted that the 110 students were selected across various wards in Kosofe Constituency I based on transparency and ethical standards, without interference from the lawmaker himself.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, attended the event to commend the lawmaker's efforts. He issued a stern but encouraging call to the recipients to treat the funds as capital rather than disposable income. “These grants are seeds that will germinate if properly invested,” Ogunlende remarked. He urged beneficiaries to prioritize investment over consumption to ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses and education.
Beyond the empowerment, the event also served as a platform for political alignment. Okanlawon utilized the gathering to seek support for several key political bids, including his own bid for a third term in the House of Assembly, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat's gubernatorial aspirations, and President Bola Tinubu's second-term ambition.
