BABAJIMI BENSON GIVES GRANT TO 150 TRADERS TO UPLIFT THEIR BUSINESSES, SAYS IT'S NOT REFUNDABLE. | Shakiru Seidu. "The gesture is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria," says Iya Oloja General of Ikorodu Division.

Member of House of Reps, representing Ikorodu federal Constituency, Hon Babajimi Benson, has doled out N3million as grant to 150 traders in Ikorodu Division to enable them to uplift their businesses. The erudite legislator on Saturday presented the grant to market women and men at his constituency Office Igbogbo, saying it was not in doubt that the  grant will improve their various businesses.

JB, as he's fondly called said despite his urge financial burden in the coming days, he is totally committed to supporting the Market Association in the growth and upliftment of their businesses. According to him, the decision to aid the market traders association with grant was based on my promise to them, which was delayed due to paucity of funds, noting that the gesture was therefore compelling.

“Today’s occasion is historic; we are presenting financial support of N3million Grant to 150 traders from the 6 local councils in Ikorodu Division to enable them to uplift their various businesses.

“Let me emphasise that this will be a continuous exercise. Other traders will also be considered in the next phase of this presentation,” the legislator said.

Hon Babajimi Benson, while alluding to the fact that the gesture was the first of its kind in the state, said that beyond the 150 traders being supported, all the six local councils of Ikorodu Division had been touched.

“The message remains the same. We are committed to good and quality representation of Ikorodu Division. I congratulate the leadership and members of the market traders association that are benefitting from this support initiative. It is my expectation that this grant will be of benefit to your various businesses,” he said.

Earlier in her remark, Iya Oloja General of Ikorodu Division, Alhaja Taofeekat Allison, described the gesture by Hon Babajimi Benson as unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants.

“What is happening today is the presentation of grants to 150 traders across the 6 councils of Ikorodu Division. It is very awesome and unprecedented. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of such, by not paying back the money. It is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

“Please make good use of the gesture. We thank God for using Babajimi Benson to change the face of Ikorodu for good,” Alhaja Allinson said.

Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Comrade Olusesan Daini, who also spoke, said the quality representation of Hon Babajimi Benson had seen the increase in infrastructural development of Ikorodu Division. Daini reiterated the commitment of JB on his Constituents and urged the traders to reciprocate the gesture by the legislator at the 2019 elections in Ikorodu.

Others dignitaries at the gesture include the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Babaloja General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, DG of iCARE Foundation, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, Alhaji Oriare, Alhaji W.A. Yusuf, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Alhaji Musbaudeen Alejo, Princess Oredoyin, market leaders and members from Ikorodu Local government, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ijede, Imota, Ikorodu North and Ikorodu West LCDAs.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
CEO/Editor-in-chief, MegaXpression Magazine.