Lagos Disburses Grants, Equipment to Over 100 Small Businesses

The Lagos State Government has provided grants, work tools and productive equipment to more than100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship, boost productivity and promote job creation.

The intervention was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Nana-Hauwa Adeeyo, at the 2026 MSME Day Celebration, Awards and Grant Presentation Ceremony held at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Adeeyo disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, reflecting the government's commitment to ensuring that enterprise development initiatives reach business owners across different communities.

She explained that the initiative was designed to translate the state government's enterprise development policies into practical support that would enable small businesses to expand their operations, improve productivity and achieve long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the theme, “Empowering MSMEs Through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” Adeeyo described MSMEs as critical drivers of employment, local production, household income and economic growth.

She stressed that supporting the growth of small businesses was essential to building a more productive, competitive and resilient Lagos economy.

According to her, the grants and equipment were intended to help beneficiaries increase output, improve product quality, enhance service delivery and expand their businesses.

She, however, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the resources responsibly, prioritising investments that would deliver sustainable business growth and create employment opportunities.

The governor's aide also highlighted the Lagos State Access to Finance for MSMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) Scheme, which is backed by a ₦10 billion financing framework, as one of the government's key initiatives for improving access to capital.

She explained that the scheme leverages cooperative structures to promote savings, resource pooling and improved access to financing and business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Adeeyo further identified the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme as a strategic platform for preparing local enterprises to access wider markets.

She said the programme focuses on improving product quality, standardisation, certification and packaging to strengthen the competitiveness of Lagos-based businesses and enhance their participation in global value chains.

On industrial development, she noted that the Lagos State Industrial Policy was designed to strengthen local production and supply chains while creating opportunities for MSMEs to participate in industrial growth as manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.

She added that the state government's Ease of Doing Business agenda and One-Stop-Shop initiative were aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, improving access to public services and creating a more business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and investors.

Adeeyo encouraged business owners to embrace innovation, digital technology, sound financial management and sustainable production practices to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business environment.

She emphasised that government interventions must translate into measurable improvements in productivity, business expansion and employment generation.

The governor's aide also underscored the importance of inclusive enterprise development, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable groups, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector stakeholders.

According to her, such partnerships would help expand entrepreneurs' access to finance, technical skills, markets and productive assets, thereby strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to contribute meaningfully to economic development.

The event attracted government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, development partners, business associations and entrepreneurs, who gathered to celebrate outstanding business performance and explore strategies for sustainable MSME development.

The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government's commitment to strengthening grassroots enterprises, promoting local industrial development and positioning small businesses as major contributors to job creation and economic resilience.

ADRON HOMES INAUGURATES NEW AHPORA EXECUTIVES AT TREASURE PARK & GARDENS PHASE 2 EXTENSION

Adron Homes has inaugurated new executives of the Adron Homes Property Owners and Residents Associations (AHPORA) for the Uptown and Downtown zones of Treasure Park & Gardens Phase 2 Extension, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the company and residents.

L-R: Mrs. Augustina Chuks, Chairman uptown zone, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, MD Adron Homes, Sir, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, Chairman/GCEO Adron Homes Properties Limited, HRH, Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo, Otete III, Odemo of Isara Remo, Alhaji Akeem Segun Koletowo, Chairman, Downtown Zone at the inauguration and swearing in ceremony of Adron Homes & Property Owners & Residents Association  (AHPORA) EXCOs of Treasure Park & Gardens Phase 2, Downtown Estate, Shimawa Ogun State, on Sunday, 18th October, 2026 held at the Event Ground of the Estate.

The inauguration gives residents a platform to raise concerns, share ideas and engage with Adron Homes through elected representatives. The executives are expected to help monitor estate-related matters and ensure that issues affecting property owners receive attention.

The event, hosted by Adron Homes on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Downtown Estate, Simawa, had HRH Alaiyeluwa Oba Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo (Otete III), Odemo of Isara Remo, as Royal Father of the Day.

In the Uptown Zone, Mrs. Augustina Chuks was inaugurated as Chairman, while Mrs. Ogunba-Ojo Hutawa Aderonke emerged as Secretary General. Hon. Mrs. Wale Fayemi and Mr. Lateef Eniola were represented at the ceremony by their daughter and wife, respectively. For the Downtown Zone, Alhaji Akeem Segun Koletowo was inaugurated as Chairman, with Mr. Alex O. Ohanwadi as Secretary General.

The Chairman/GCEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, said the ceremony marked a new stage in the life of the estate, which residents had turned from unoccupied land into a thriving neighbourhood. “We are not simply inaugurating executives. We are acknowledging that Downtown Estate has reached another stage in its journey,” he said.

He explained that while a developer provides the framework, infrastructure and vision, the people who live in an estate ultimately determine its character. Residents and property owners, he said, are “not spectators” to its development. “You are the story,” he added.

Sir Aare Adetola charged the new executives to see their offices as a responsibility owed first to residents. He urged them to be leaders who “listen without losing direction, speak without creating unnecessary conflict, and disagree without destroying relationships.”

He described the estate’s reputation, peace, orderliness and the relationships among residents as assets that affect the value of everyone’s investment. “The success of an estate cannot be manufactured from the developer’s office. There must also be ownership from the people who live here,” he said.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Adenike Ajobo, described the challenges Adron Homes has faced in the course of its growth as part of the process of building a stronger organisation. 

She described Adron Homes as an unstoppable movement and called on homeowners, property investors and residents to unite under AHPORA. “The only thing we are clamouring for, agitating for, and campaigning for is for all of us to come together to grow our estate together through AHPORA,” she stated.

The new executives will be a link between residents and Adron Homes, communicating residents’ needs, following up on estate-related concerns and promoting accountability in matters concerning the estate.

A couple of home owners who pleaded anonymity, were recognised for their contributions to the security and upkeep of the estate.They donated a motorcycle and security gadgets for use by the estate’s security officials, to support their movement and strengthen patrols. They also supported the painting of the estate’s gate post.

Beyond the motorcycle and security gadgets, They also supported the estate’s security men, providing them foodstuff and additional security gadgets. Reflecting the important role residents can play in keeping an estate safe and well maintained.

Sir Aare Adetola expressed hope that when another set of leaders eventually takes their place, they will be able to say of the current executives: “They left Downtown better than they met it.”

‎ADRON BOSS EMMANUELKING HAILS OSIBODU’S ROYAL ELEVATION, SAYS BOBAJIRO TITLE FITS HIS LEGACY ‎

*Describes honour as recognition of excellence, humility and community service

‎

The Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, has congratulated prominent businessman, Anthony Osibodu, on his coronation as the Bobajiro of Ilishan-Remo, describing the prestigious traditional honour as a fitting recognition of his accomplishments, sterling character and commitment to community development.

‎Emmanuelking, who is also the Borokini of Ilishan-Remo, extended his goodwill message to Osibodu as the coronation coincided with his birthday, making the occasion a double celebration of personal achievement and traditional recognition.

‎In his congratulatory message, the Adron Homes chairman noted that Osibodu’s elevation to the revered traditional institution reflected the respect he had earned through business excellence, exemplary conduct and sustained engagement with his community.

‎“When a man spends his years building a name of honour, there comes a time when honour itself rises to meet him,” Emmanuelking stated.

‎He praised Osibodu for building an impressive business profile with an international presence while remaining humble, approachable and firmly rooted in family values.

‎According to him, Osibodu’s influence extends beyond his professional accomplishments, as his personal qualities, accessibility and consideration for others have earned him admiration across different spheres of life.

‎Emmanuelking also highlighted Osibodu’s leadership roles as Asiwaju of the Osibodu family and President of The Ilishan Club, describing them as evidence of his dedication to family unity, communal development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

‎He stressed that effective leadership goes beyond the prestige of titles, requiring integrity, wisdom, maturity and the ability to inspire confidence and unite people around shared aspirations.

‎The Adron Homes chairman further observed that Osibodu’s coronation carries profound significance, as it strengthens his connection to his ancestral roots while placing greater responsibility on him to contribute to the development and well-being of Ilishan-Remo.

H‎e expressed confidence that the new Bobajiro would bring dignity, wisdom and a strong sense of service to his traditional responsibilities, building on the values that have distinguished his personal and professional journey.

‎The coincidence of the coronation with Osibodu’s birthday, Emmanuelking noted, makes the celebration particularly memorable, offering an opportunity to reflect on his achievements while looking forward to greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

‎He prayed for God's continued protection, sound health, wisdom and prosperity for Osibodu, expressing hope that his new age would usher in greater opportunities, renewed strength and fulfilment in his personal life, business endeavours and community service.

‎Emmanuelking also wished the Bobajiro many more years of impactful leadership, philanthropy and meaningful contributions to humanity, expressing optimism that his new traditional position would further inspire him to serve his people and advance the interests of Ilishan-Remo.

‎He concluded by congratulating Osibodu on both his coronation and birthday, wishing him a rewarding new chapter marked by greater accomplishments, enduring respect and continued service to his community.

Stop Disparaging Ooni’s Media Director, Palace Clarifies ₦4m Media Support Donation Was Meant for Iyalaje Oodua’s Media Team, Not General Media Practitioners — Olafare

The Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare, has dismissed reports alleging that the Palace withheld or diverted a ₦4 million media support fund reportedly meant for journalists and online media practitioners who covered the 2026 Olojo Festival.

Olafare, through a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, explained that the ₦4 million donation and bags of rice referenced in some online publications were specifically provided by the Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, to the media team of Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade.

According to the statement, the gesture was made in appreciation of the media team, which has been independently sponsored by the Iyalaje Oodua for more than a decade and has consistently accompanied her to Palace-related engagements and activities.

The clarification followed reports and online commentaries suggesting that the ₦4 million was a general media package intended for journalists and online platforms accredited to cover the 2026 Olojo Festival.

Olafare stressed that the Media Directorate neither received nor had custody of the said ₦4 million, noting that it therefore could not have withheld, diverted or misappropriated funds that were not in its possession.

He explained that the donation should not be confused with the separate media appreciation package administered by the Media Directorate for journalists accredited to cover the Olojo Festival.

“The ₦4 million donation was specifically for the media team of Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade, in appreciation of their longstanding support and coverage of her activities. It was not a general media package for all accredited journalists,” the statement clarified.

The Director further stated that the Palace recognises the important role played by journalists, photographers, videographers and other media professionals in documenting the Olojo Festival and projecting the cultural heritage of Ile-Ife.

He added that journalists who were duly accredited by the Media Directorate to cover the festival had been attended to with monetary appreciation and other benefits based on the arrangements made for accredited media practitioners.

Olafare, however, urged any accredited journalist who believes he or she has not received the appropriate benefit to approach the Media Directorate with proof of accreditation for proper verification.

“Anyone who feels that he or she has not received the benefit due to them is encouraged to reach out to the Directorate with proof of accreditation. Such cases will be properly looked into and, where applicable, the individual will be duly attended to,” the statement said.

The Media Director also expressed concern over what he described as misinformation contained in some online publications and commentaries, which he said portrayed Palace officials as having withheld funds allegedly meant for media practitioners.

He urged members of the public and media professionals to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities at the Ooni’s Palace before publishing reports concerning official activities, financial arrangements or media engagements.

Olafare reaffirmed the Palace’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and professional relationship with the media, stressing that accredited journalists covering Palace activities would continue to be treated with fairness and professionalism.

He also commended media professionals for their contributions to the successful coverage of the 2026 Olojo Festival and their efforts towards promoting Ile-Ife as a major centre of Yoruba history, culture and heritage.

Story By

Tope Eluyefa