The EngageSouthwest Market Storm, a regional grassroots engagement initiative designed to strengthen the connection between government and communities across Nigeria’s South-West, has commenced in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State with economic empowerment and community outreach programmes.
The initiative, led by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Community Engagement (South-West), Moremi Ojudu, began on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with activities at Boundary Market and Alaba Market before extending to Layinka Street and Rabiu Street communities.
The programme, which is expected to be replicated across the six South-West states, featured the distribution of essential household items to selected beneficiaries at no cost, while payments for the items were made directly to traders.
Organisers said the intervention was aimed at providing immediate relief to residents while increasing patronage for local businesses.
To further support commercial activities, traders at the two markets received branded umbrellas, aprons and raincoats to aid their daily operations, particularly during the rainy season.
Food support packages were also presented to elderly residents identified within the communities as part of efforts to support vulnerable groups.
As part of the engagement, the delegation paid courtesy visits to the Oba of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aremu Aromire Oyegbemi II, and the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Mohammed Moroof Oyekunle Atanda-Amodu Tijani Amore III.
Discussions during the visits centred on the importance of sustained grassroots engagement, community participation and the role of traditional institutions in promoting development across the South-West.
Speaking during the outreach, Ojudu said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to people-centred governance by taking government closer to the people through direct engagement and practical interventions that respond to local needs.
She noted that the EngageSouthwest Market Storm is designed to serve as a platform for continuous interaction with communities across the South-West, while promoting economic empowerment, strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders and providing channels through which residents can engage with government.
The outreach attracted market leaders, including the Baba Loja and Iya Loja, community stakeholders and the Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, who commended the initiative and pledged continued support for programmes that foster community development.
Organisers said the commencement of the programme in Ajeromi-Ifelodun marks the beginning of a wider regional engagement that will be extended to other states in the South-West, with a focus on grassroots inclusion, economic support and stronger collaboration between government and the people.
