Ikorodu APC Chieftain Abdulkareem Shittu Disburses Interest-Free Loan

The Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu Foundation on October 28 held the fifth edition of its Interest-Free Loan Scheme presentation for Ikorodu residents.

The event, which has now become one of the most anticipated community empowerment programs in Ikorodu, brought smiles to the faces of local traders, artisans, and small business owners who received financial support to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

From the early hours of the morning, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Men and women, young and old, trooped to the venue in high spirits, singing praises and chanting the name of Hon. Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu, a man widely regarded as a friend of the people and a symbol of hope in Ikorodu.

The event was attended by community leaders, beneficiaries, political stakeholders, and a host of well-wishers who came to celebrate a man whose kindness and commitment to the people have continued to make visible impact across the division.

The interest-free loan scheme was established by Hon. Shittu as part of his foundation’s mission to uplift hardworking but financially challenged residents who are often excluded from traditional banking systems due to lack of collateral or high interest rates.

Through the initiative, countless traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs have been able to access soft loans to expand their businesses without the burden of repayment interests. For many beneficiaries, it has been the lifeline that kept their dreams alive in difficult times.

In his address, Hon. Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to the people of Ikorodu for their trust and support over the years. He noted that the foundation was born out of a desire to see people succeed through empowerment rather than dependence.

“When we started this journey some years ago, our goal was to help our people grow their businesses and stand on their feet. Today, by the grace of God, we have reached hundreds of households and changed many stories for the better. Our mission is simple, to create opportunities that give people hope,” he said to loud applause.

Beneficiaries who spoke to journalists could not hide their excitement as they shared testimonies of how the foundation’s previous interventions had transformed their lives. A food vendor, Mrs. Kehinde Adebisi, described the scheme as an answered prayer.

“Before I got the loan, I struggled to keep my business running. But today, I can buy more foodstuffs, and my customers are increasing. Hon. Shittu is truly a blessing to us,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Mr. Taiwo Alabi, a young cobbler, shared how the support helped him buy new tools and open a second workstation. “No bank would lend to me because I had no collateral. But this foundation believed in me. Now, I have two apprentices learning under me. May God bless Hon. Shittu for his heart of gold,” he said.

For many who attended, the event was more than an empowerment program, it was a celebration of compassion, leadership, and humanity. Community elders and opinion leaders in attendance praised Hon. Shittu for being a shining example of selfless service. Alhaji Y.O Sanni, one of the dignitaries present, commended him for remaining close to the people despite his busy schedule. “We have seen many leaders, but Hon. Shittu stands out because he listens and gives back to his people. His interest-free loan scheme is not politics, it is pure love,” the elder remarked.

Since its inception, the Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu Foundation has continued to touch lives in different ways. Beyond financial empowerment, the foundation has organized medical outreach programs, educational support for students, food palliatives for widows and the elderly, and training opportunities for young people seeking vocational skills. Each initiative has strengthened his reputation as a man deeply committed to grassroots development and social impact.

As the crowd dispersed that evening, many could still be heard chanting his name in gratitude. For them, Hon. Shittu’s kindness is not seasonal, it is a steady light that continues to brighten lives in Ikorodu. Through his vision, consistency, and genuine concern for the less privileged, he has built a legacy of empowerment that will be remembered for generations. The 5th edition of the Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu Foundation Interest-Free Loan Scheme once again demonstrated that leadership is not about titles, but about service and compassion.

Indeed, Hon. Abdulkareem Olugbenga Shittu has become a symbol of hope for the people of Ikorodu, a man whose actions speak louder than promises, and whose mission remains clear: to lift others up, one act of kindness at a time.