Kunle Adelabu
-Supports 150 existing ones
In his quest to reduce poverty through empowerment, the representatives of Ikorodu Constituency II, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), has set up Point Of Sale (POS) businesses for 180 constituents by providing them with POS machines, certificates of business registration from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and also take – off grants of N100, 000 each.
While N50, 000 were already loaded on the POS machines, the balance of N50, 000 (cash) were given to the beneficiaries who were highly motivated and thankful to their beloved representative.
Another 150 residents that were running existing POS businesses but were struggling, were also provided with cash to recapitalize their businesses.
The presentation ceremony took place at the Golden Event Centre, Oke – Eletu in Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Friday.
Hon. Aro described the gesture as not just distribution of POS machines and money, but a planting of seeds which he said that when fully germinated would empower many families and improve condition of lives across his constituency.
“I welcome you all to this remarkable gathering, one that is deeply personal and purposeful to me. Today, we are not just distributing machines or handing out cash; we are planting seeds of dignity, responsibility, and prosperity across Ikorodu Constituency II.
“This AMA POS Empowerment Scheme is proudly driven by the AMA Smile Foundation. We are empowering 180 individuals today with fully activated POS machines. Not just that, each beneficiary will receive a registered business name through the Corporate Affairs Commission, a credit of N50,000 on their POS terminal, and an additional N50,000 in cash. These are not just tools, they are stepping stones to financial independence.
“Most of these beneficiaries have no clear source of income before now. Today, they are business owners. They now have a reason to wake up every morning with purpose and hope.
“In addition, 150 other entrepreneurs who already run POS businesses and other businesses but have been operating on the edge of survival, will receive cash grants to expand, upgrade, and stabilize their businesses. We recognize their effort, and we are simply giving them the wings to fly higher”, the lawmaker said.
While explaining that only 100 out of the 180 beneficiaries were going to get the POS machines and cash at the presentation, Hon. Aro Moshood added that the delay in the presentation to the remaining new beneficiaries was due to their inability to complete their registration.
Hon. Aro assured them that they would get their full package once their registration is completed.
“Let me also mention that due to some unavoidable delays in registration and activation, only 100 out of the 180 POS beneficiaries will receive their machines and grants today. The remaining beneficiaries will get theirs in the coming week. This is a promise, and as always, I keep my word.
“To ensure smooth delivery, the AMA Smile Foundation team and the Moniepoint team will be going to each LCDA within our constituency to hand over the machines and grants directly. While the Moniepoint representatives present the POS machines, my team will simultaneously disburse the financial grants. This coordination is designed to preserve transparency and dignity in this process.
He emphasised that the POS scheme is a way of fighting poverty and create opportunities for everybody in his constituency.
“This scheme is more than charity, it is a fight against extreme poverty, against helplessness, and against hopelessness in Ikorodu Constituency II. It is part of a broader vision I carry — a constituency where nobody is left behind, where even the lowliest person has a chance to rise, to build, and to thrive.
“Let me close by reminding every beneficiary today, that this is your opportunity, use it wisely, multiply it. One day, I hope you will look back at this moment and say, this was where my story changed”.
Speaking at the presentation, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), described Hon. Aro Moshood as an ambassador of the APC that is spreading joy and happiness among the people.
The elder statesman also said that the state lawmaker with his representation, especially with his empowerment initiatives, is aligning with the policy of President Bola Tinubu to solidly establish Small and Medium Scale Businesses.
He said that the aim of the policy is to empower and ensure that citizens have the power to provide for themselves and families.
Asiwaju Basorun thanked the lawmaker for his quality representation and charged beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment.
The political leader also commended him for his intervention in ensuring that the Governor of Lagos State release funds to the HiTech for the completion of the ongoing Igbogbo/Bola Tinubu/Igbe Laara Road.
The APC apex leader in Ijede LCDA. Hon. Saheed Hassan Adefarasin, commended the state lawmaker for his commitment to uplifting his constituents and continuous empowerment and developmental projects.
He charged beneficiaries to appreciate him by voting the APC candidates in the forthcoming Local Government elections.
Hon. Olawunmi Ajetunmobi, General Secretary, APC apex body, Ikorodu Division, speaking, said that the lawmaker always surprised him with his quality representation and called for respect and honour for the lawmaker.
While also stating that the initiative is a lifetime opportunity for the beneficiaries, the political leader also charged beneficiaries to adopt honesty, integrity and discipline in their daily business practice.
He urged Hon. Aro to endeavour to form the beneficiaries int a cooperative society for them to expand and improve their businesses.
Another political leader, Col. (Dr.) Titilola Onafowokan, in his own remarks, said that the lawmaker has created multiple mobile bankers through the empowerment and charged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunities.
Hon. Fathiu Salisu, former Chairman, Ijede LCDA, commended him not only for the POS initiative but for his other empowerment schemes, and impacts in the continuation of construction of Ijede, Gberigbe and Igbogbo roads.
Hon. Sefiu Ogunyemi, APC chieftain and Hon. Femi Kabi, Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA, also commended the lawmaker for all that he is doing as the representative of Ikorodu Constituency II.
Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Hon. Prince Wasiu Agoro, Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Chief Quadri Jamiu (Golden J), Hon. Benson Sunday, Vice Chairman and APC Chairmanship Flagbearer, Imota LCDA, Hon. Hammed Aroyewun, APC Chairmanship Flagbearer, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Princess Abisoye Jimoh, Vice Chairmanship Flagbearer, Imota LCDA, APC LGA Chairmen, APC Ward Chairmen from Ikorodu Constituency II among others.
