Okanlawon Doles N36m on constituents,Targets Education, SME Advancement

The lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde Okanlawon has supported the education of 110 tertiary undergraduates and businesses of 250 small business owners with a gift of N100,000 each.

The lawmaker popularly known as OKLA, did the disbursement of cash empowerment to his conatituents on Wednesday at the in Anthony Village Recreation Centre, Adebayo Mokuolu Street, Anthony Village, Lagos.

Addressing beneficiaries and the guests at the event, the lawmaker said that the initiative was driven by a deliberate commitment to support students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, adding that sustained collaboration would help expand its reach in future editions.

He noted that the programme also prioritises small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), recognising their vital role in economic growth and job creation.

Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and access to opportunities, we aim to strengthen local enterprises, stimulate innovation, and improve livelihoods.

“This reflects our broader vision of fostering a resilient and self-sustaining local economy. Although the initial plan was to support 100 undergraduate students, the screening committee, based on merit and performance, recommended the inclusion of additional outstanding applicants.

“Consequently, 110 beneficiaries were selected for this edition, having met all required criteria and demonstrated exceptional academic potential.

“I therefore encourage all stakeholders and well-meaning members of our constituency to continue to support and strengthen this noble initiative. With sustained collaboration, its impact can be expanded to reach more beneficiaries in subsequent editions.

“In furtherance of our broader capital development agenda, we established the OKLA Computer Academy, designed to equip young people with relevant ICT and digital competencies to enhance their competitiveness in a technology-driven world,” he said.

He, however, urged the constituents to support his bid for a third term in office, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for Lagos Governor and called for backing for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
“Give us your support to go to the Lagos State House of Assembly one more time so that we can continue the good works we have been doing since 2019.

“Also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been doing well. He removed fuel subsidy for the development of the country, he established students loan known as NELFUND, improved security.

“We want you all to support President Bola Tinubu for second term. We are all endorsing him for second term. We are also supporting Dr Obafemi Hazmat to become the next Governor of Lagos State.

Chairman of the scholarship scheme, Lekan Alli-Balogun, described the programme as the third edition, noting that it has evolved into a broader empowerment initiative aimed at preparing young people for the future.

According to him, 110 undergraduate students were selected across wards in Kosofe Constituency I, each receiving N100,000, while 250 small business owners also benefited from grants of the same amount to support their enterprises.

He added that the selection process was conducted with the highest level of transparency and ethical standards, noting that the lawmaker did not interfere despite being a politician.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended Okanlawon for the initiative, stating that it would have a meaningful impact on the beneficiaries.
Ogunlende urged recipients to make prudent use of the grants, stressing that the funds were meant for investment rather than consumption.

He described the grants as “seeds that will germinate” if properly invested in their businesses and livelihoods.

“I am here to represent the youths in Lagos State. I must continue to make impacts for the young people in Lagos State and represent the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“We thank Hon Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon for impacting the youths in Lagos State. This is the third time you are doing it and may God give you power to do more.

“I thank the team that is working with him for the great works they are doing. The beneficiaries are very lucky to be part of what we are doing today. You have what you are doing before coming here.
“But you are here to be empowered. It is an empowerment to add to what you already have. You want to add to what you have to become better in life. Your destiny is in your hands, we can only try to help you. It is not all of us that would work with the government or in oil companies,” he said.