ABK Hails Ikosi-Isheri LCDA for Empowering Over 500 Residents, Commissions Multiple Projects
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Former Executive Secretary of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Afolabi Kazeem, popularly known as ABK, has commended the council leadership for its bold empowerment initiative, which saw over 500 residents benefit from various economic support tools and start-up capital.
Speaking at the grand finale of the week-long project commissioning and empowerment programme held at the council secretariat on Wednesday, ABK described the initiative as a practical step toward grassroots development and youth empowerment.
“I’ve been going along with them since last week Monday, commissioning about 19 or 20 projects,” he said. “From roads and offices to shopping complexes and today’s grand commissioning of legislative quarters, a legislative chamber, a magistrate block, and a primary healthcare centre—this council has demonstrated commitment to real development.”
ABK praised the distribution of empowerment tools such as tricycles, vulcanizing machines, barbing kits with generators, sewing machines, POS devices with capital, and popcorn machines, among others, noting that they were “instruments of independence” capable of transforming the lives of recipients.
“Whether you’re a barber or not, you can learn the trade now that you’ve been given the tools. If you got a cooler and drinks, you already have a small business to build on. This is how to lift people—practically,” he said.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the items, urging them to use the opportunity to build sustainable sources of income and contribute to the local economy.
ABK’s remarks were echoed by other dignitaries, including APC Lagos State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who applauded the Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri, Princess Samiat Bada, and Agboyi-Ketu Chairman, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, for what he called “empowerment with impact.”
Also present was former Lagos East Senator, Gbenga Ashafa, who charged beneficiaries to take the tools seriously and use them to better their lives, assuring them that brighter days lie ahead.
In her opening remarks, Mayoress Bada noted that the initiative was driven by her belief that infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with human development.
“An idle man is the devil’s workshop—but not in Ikosi-Isheri,” she said. “Every skill must be supported, and every hand must be productive. That is our mission.”
With the success of the empowerment drive and community projects, ABK said the council had set a strong example for others, stressing that sustainable development begins at the grassroots.
