……Says Women, Traders Are Engine of Grassroots Economy
Lagos— No fewer than 100 women and traders in Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area have received N100,000 business grants each under an empowerment programme facilitated by the council leadership.
The disbursement, held at the Council Secretariat, was carried out through the Asejere Women Development Initiative (AWDI) Multipurpose Cooperative, led by Chairperson Alhaji Nusirat Kareem.
The initiative, championed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun, is aimed at supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and boosting household incomes across the council area.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Abiodun described women and traders as central to the socio-economic development of Oto-Awori, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment.
“Women and traders remain the engine of our local economy. This support is to help you expand your businesses, create more value, and improve your livelihoods,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and assured that his administration would continue to support traders and small business owners.
In her remarks, Alhaji Nusirat Kareem commended the council leadership for the gesture. 
She noted that AWDI Multipurpose Cooperative will work closely with beneficiaries to ensure the funds are invested productively for business growth and sustainability.
Beneficiaries drawn from markets and communities across all wards in the council described the intervention as timely.
They expressed appreciation to the council chairman and AWDI, saying the grant would help them restock, expand operations and stabilize their businesses.
Investigator news gathered that the programme is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots enterprise and promote economic self-reliance in Oto-Awori LCDA.
