By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, has launched a major empowerment programme to boost livelihoods and drive sustainable growth in the council area.
The initiative, held on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat in Lagos, brought together stakeholders, community leaders, youths, and market men and women.
It was designed to provide tools, financial support and resources to enable beneficiaries to start, sustain and expand their businesses.
Addressing participants, Yusuf said the programme reflects his administration’s people-centred approach to governance.
“This empowerment programme is not just an event but a statement of purpose. It reflects our belief that governance must touch lives, create opportunities and uplift communities,” he said.
He added that empowering residents would strengthen the local economy. “When our people are empowered, Surulere is empowered. When our youths are productive, our future is secured, and when our women thrive, our economy grows stronger,” he said.
Accordingly, he urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity. “See this not just as assistance but as a responsibility to grow, create impact and extend the same support to others,” he said.
In an interview with journalists, Yusuf disclosed that over 800 residents benefited from the programme, with items distributed based on individual requests.
“People told us what they needed, and those were the items we provided,” he said.
He further revealed that the programme cost over N350 million, including more than N30 million in cash grants.
“This programme costs the local government over 350 million because the cash gifts alone exceed 30 million,” he said.
The Surulere LG Chairman highlighted improvements in council funding, noting that monthly allocations now average about N400 million, while internally generated revenue has risen from about N120 million to between N350 million and N400 million annually.
He also assured residents of sustained focus on security and development. “Security of life and property remains our priority. Wherever there is security, there is development,” he said, referencing a recent incident in the area.
Furthermore, Yusuf noted that infrastructure projects were ongoing across wards, including new building developments to complement existing facilities.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ganiat Ali-Balogun, said the programme targeted traders, artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs.
“We are here to assist the development of Surulere. Thousands of items are available to support people in different trades,” she said.
She added that beneficiaries were selected through a structured process involving sensitisation and screening. “We counselled them and asked what they intended to do with the support before selection,” she said.
Beneficiaries, however, expressed appreciation. One recipient, a baker, said, “I am very excited. I have been in this business for long, and I never imagined getting this kind of oven. I thank God and the Chairman.”
Another beneficiary, Taofeek Asaluwala, said, “I am really happy about today’s empowerment. I say a big thank you to the Chairman.”
