On September 27, 2026, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, launched an empowerment programme for 5,000 residents of Surulere Federal Constituency, Lagos. The initiative aimed to create economic opportunities and reduce the burden on residents through improved transportation and support for small businesses. Gbajabiamila stated that President Tinubu was aware of the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians and was working to improve living conditions, especially at the grassroots.
The empowerment programme, held at the National Stadium in Surulere, was attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Traditional rulers, Igbo chiefs, political leaders, and other stakeholders were also in attendance. Gbajabiamila distributed various items, including 30 buses, 25 tricycles, and 160 motorcycles, as well as electric vehicles for e-hailing services, cash support for small businesses, security patrol vehicles, Toyota Hiace buses, Toyota Highlander and Corolla cars, minibuses, and ambulances.
According to Gbajabiamila, the intervention was designed to strengthen transportation and support livelihoods in the constituency. He highlighted the Federal Government's drive towards cleaner transportation, citing policies on compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles aimed at reducing the impact of fuel-price volatility and promoting cleaner mobility. The increasing assembly of CNG- and electric-powered vehicles by local automobile companies could create jobs, reduce transportation costs, and improve air quality.
Gbajabiamila defended the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms, saying they were intended to address longstanding structural challenges. He cited reforms in taxation, electricity, and infrastructure as part of the administration's efforts to stimulate economic growth. The government had enacted tax reform legislation aimed at addressing multiple taxation, while electricity-sector reforms would give states greater roles in power generation and distribution.
Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry-Sokoto corridor, and the remodelling of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, were examples of government interventions. Gbajabiamila urged residents to remain hopeful, saying the government's policies were being implemented gradually. He emphasized that President Tinubu feels the pains of Nigerians and is working tirelessly to make life better for people at the grassroots.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Wemimo Odumosu, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Ward 21, Surulere, described the programme as unprecedented. He noted that the empowerment initiative had provided support to thousands of residents and community groups across Surulere. Odumosu expressed appreciation to Gbajabiamila for the intervention and prayed for continued success for the Chief of Staff.
The introduction of electric vehicles was particularly significant, with charging points planned for various locations across Surulere. Odumosu stated that Surulere was the first to receive electric vehicles, and the community was excited about the development. The empowerment programme was a significant step towards improving the lives of residents in Surulere, and the beneficiaries were optimistic about the positive impact it would have on their livelihoods.
Key points
- The programme aimed to create economic opportunities and reduce the burden on residents through improved transportation and support for small businesses.
- President Tinubu is working to improve living conditions, especially at the grassroots, despite economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
- The empowerment initiative provided support to thousands of residents and community groups across Surulere, with 5,000 residents directly benefiting from the programme.
