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By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — In a major boost to grassroots economic stability, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has successfully disbursed a fresh round of financial grants totaling ₦20 million to 200 residents.
The disbursement, held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, marks the fourth phase of the Renewed Hope Asiwaju Cash Support Programme. Each beneficiary received a one-off grant of ₦100,000, specifically targeted at petty traders, artisans, widows, the elderly, and vulnerable groups across the local government area.
Launched during the Chairman’s "100 Days in Office" milestone, the cash support scheme is a monthly intervention designed to cushion the effects of national economic reforms. Hon. Hunpe revealed that the programme is strategically structured to run for 20 months, with a final goal of empowering at least 4,000 residents.
"Governance must be felt by the people," Hon. Hunpe stated during the ceremony. "At a time like this, we cannot fold our arms while residents are struggling. This support is meant to bring immediate relief and help our people scale their small businesses."
The Chairman emphasized that the initiative is a localized extension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that increased federal allocations must translate into direct, tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Addressing potential critics, the Council Boss insisted that while long-term infrastructure is vital, immediate "stomach infrastructure" and business capital are necessary to prevent the collapse of small-scale enterprises. He maintained that the selection process remains non-partisan, benefiting residents based on need rather than political affiliation.
To ensure the funds achieve their intended purpose, Hunpe disclosed that the council has established monitoring and accountability measures. He urged beneficiaries to resist the temptation of spending the ₦100,000 on non-essential items, advising them instead to reinvest in their trades to create sustainable income.
In a move that drew loud cheers from the crowd, Hon. Hunpe announced that the council is already preparing for the upcoming Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival. Plans are underway to organize a Renewed Hope Discount Market, where food items will be sold at subsidized rates. Additionally, a separate round of palliatives is scheduled for distribution before the end of April to further assist struggling families.
The Council Manager, Mrs. Abosede Oluwakemi Senami, praised the Chairman’s consistency, noting that the steady injection of ₦20 million into the local economy every month is already stimulating market activities.
Supporting this sentiment, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Asokere Mautin Bankole, remarked that the true success of the intervention lies in the hands of the beneficiaries. "The real measure of this program is how many of these businesses are still standing and growing six months from now," he said.