The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) has opened discussions with Igbogbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on possible collaboration to improve residents’ access to finance, employability training and business support.
Eko Hot News reports that the engagement followed an invitation from the Chairman of Igbogbo LCDA, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, who received an LSETF delegation at his office on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The delegation was led by the Head of ME/MES, Mr. Ibrahim Onimisi, who presented an overview of LSETF’s mandate, programmes and interventions.
Onimisi explained the eligibility requirements, benefits and application procedures for the Fund’s various programmes.
He also identified areas where LSETF and the LCDA could begin immediate collaboration to bring economic empowerment opportunities closer to residents at the grassroots.
The proposed areas include access to finance, employability training and business support programmes.
According to the LSETF representative, stronger collaboration with local councils would help residents better understand and access programmes designed to support employment and enterprise development.
He noted that bringing information and application opportunities closer to communities could make it easier for qualified residents to benefit from the Fund’s interventions.
Responding, Chairman Aroyewun appreciated LSETF for its contributions to employment generation, enterprise development and economic empowerment across Lagos State.
He reaffirmed the council’s willingness to partner with the Fund to ensure that residents of Igbogbo can take advantage of available opportunities.
The chairman expressed particular interest in LSETF’s access-to-finance and employability training programmes.
He said the initiatives could provide valuable support for young people, aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners within the community.
Aroyewun also demonstrated his commitment to the proposed partnership by immediately constituting a committee to begin preparations for an on-the-spot loan application drive in Igbogbo.
The initiative is expected to give interested residents an opportunity to obtain information about LSETF programmes and commence applications for suitable interventions.
The chairman further pledged to provide a temporary facility for the exercise as soon as possible.
The proposed venue is expected to make the application process more convenient for residents who may otherwise face challenges accessing programme information.
Aroyewun also welcomed a proposal for a cheque presentation ceremony for successful loan beneficiaries.
The ceremony is expected to take place in the first week of September, subject to the completion of the required processes and approval of successful beneficiaries.
The chairman subsequently directed the committee to maintain regular communication with the LSETF team.
He said continued engagement would be important to ensure the smooth implementation of the programmes being considered by the council.
The LCDA leadership also reaffirmed its readiness to provide the necessary support for the proposed initiatives.
The partnership discussions are expected to focus on creating easier pathways for residents to access finance, acquire relevant skills and strengthen their businesses.
For young people, the employability training component could provide opportunities to develop skills required in the changing labour market.
For entrepreneurs, access to finance and business support could help address some of the challenges associated with starting or expanding small businesses.
The collaboration also reflects the growing importance of grassroots partnerships in delivering economic empowerment programmes directly to communities.
By working with local councils, development agencies can better connect residents with available government-backed opportunities.
The engagement between LSETF and Igbogbo LCDA therefore represents a step towards improving access to employment and enterprise support within the community.
Both parties are expected to sustain discussions and coordination as preparations for the proposed loan application drive continue.
The council’s immediate response also signals its intention to make economic empowerment programmes more accessible to residents.
The initiative is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs seeking financial support and young people looking to improve their employability prospects.
LSETF and Igbogbo LCDA are expected to continue working together to create practical opportunities that can support sustainable businesses and household incomes.
The proposed collaboration is also aimed at strengthening economic participation at the local level while supporting the wider development objectives of Lagos State.
Through improved access to finance, skills development and business support, the partnership could provide residents with additional opportunities to pursue productive economic activities.
The meeting ultimately highlighted a shared commitment by LSETF and Igbogbo LCDA to strengthen grassroots empowerment and expand access to programmes that can support residents, particularly young people and entrepreneurs.
