No fewer than 100 Epe Local Government residents selected across the eight wards areas of the council will have access to N100,000 grants, payable monthly for over a 20-month period, as part of a strategic welfare scheme designed to boost household income and support micro-businesses.

The Chairperson of Local Government Council Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun made this known during the flag-off of the programme in the council secretariat, Ita-Marun, Epe, saying the scheme was designed to give a lifting hand to many of the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the council area of Lagos State.

She reaffirmed her vision of building a self-sustaining and prosperous council where every resident, regardless of social or economic status can thrive, noting that the grants was expected to increase the income and productive assets of target beneficiaries, admonishing them to make good use of it.

"I hope that the beneficiaries will use this opportunity to increase their income, enhance their food security, and contribute towards improving their family's livelihood. This grant will go a long way in supporting any serious woman to start a business. What is most important is how judiciously you utilise the money.

"This administration believes that true governance is not measured by the number of roads we constructed, but by the number of lives we have positively transformed, impacted and touched.

"Today's empowerment is not just a handout; it is a hand up, a push towards self-dependence, dignity, and renewed hope," Princess Animashaun said.

She further emphasised that the programme aligned with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to her, seeks to strengthen the nation's social safety nets and empower grassroots citizens for sustainable economic growth.

The Chairperson also distributed sewing machines, hairdryers, grinding machines, fishing nets, and safety jackets, in addition to the cash grants, she further empowered residents with tools to sustain livelihoods and promote self-reliance across communities in the council area of Lagos state.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fatai Oyesanya and Mrs. Funmilayo Oreagba thanked the Chairperson for deeming it fit to give them the grants, noting that the Chairman had done so much for them, through some intervention schemes, promising to ensure good use of the grant to enhance their livings.