Ikorodu Rejoices As Shittu Foundation Puts People First With Empowerment Initiative

By Gbenga Agunbiade

It was a day of excitement, gratitude, and renewed hope in Ikorodu as the Hon. AbdulKareem Olugbenga Shittu Foundation hosted the 5th Edition of its Interest-Free Loan Empowerment Scheme on October 28, 2025, at 7, Allison Street, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The initiative, which has become a beacon of support for small business owners, artisans, and traders, once again lived up to its reputation of empowering lives and strengthening local economies.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion as hundreds of residents gathered to witness another remarkable display of generosity and community development. The foundation, renowned for its people-centered approach, provided interest-free loans to 190 beneficiaries drawn from all six local councils within Ikorodu Division Ikorodu Local Government, Ikorodu North, Ikorodu West, Ijede, Igbogbo-Bayeku, and Imota.

Under this year’s scheme, 150 beneficiaries received ₦50,000 each, 30 received ₦100,000 each, and 10 received ₦200,000 each, all at zero interest. The disbursement was carried out transparently, with each beneficiary duly verified and registered through a seamless process.

In his remarks, Hon. AbdulKareem Olugbenga Shittu, founder of the foundation, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to uplifting the less privileged and fostering economic stability in the grassroots. He emphasized that the foundation’s goal is to build an inclusive economy where small business owners can thrive without the burden of heavy interest loans.

“This is our way of showing love, care, and support to the hardworking people of Ikorodu. We want to create opportunities for growth and self-reliance. When small businesses prosper, the community grows stronger,” he said.

Beneficiaries could not hide their joy as they received their funds, with many describing Hon. Shittu as a rare leader who leads by example and places people’s welfare at the heart of his mission. Traders, artisans, and youths who benefited in past editions also shared touching testimonies of how the interest-free loan helped them expand their businesses and improve their families’ living conditions.

The program enjoyed massive media presence, with coverage from TVC (Television Continental), Tungba FM, Standard Trust Newspaper, and several other radio and online platforms that captured the inspiring moments of the day. The enlightenment campaigns aired across local stations before the event also ensured wider participation and awareness among residents.

As the foundation marks its fifth consecutive year of this impactful initiative, many community leaders commended Hon. Shittu’s steadfastness and consistency in empowering his people, describing him as a man whose actions speak louder than promises.

With the success of this year’s edition, the Hon. AbdulKareem Shittu Foundation continues to solidify its place as a symbol of compassion, progress, and people-oriented service proving once again that true leadership is measured by the number of lives transformed.