Traders, transport workers, and Bureau de Change operators in Ikorodu are set to benefit from a Point-of-Sale (POS) empowerment initiative facilitated by the member representing Ikorodu Constituency I at the Lagos State House Of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye Adetokunbo.
The proposed POS free distribution waa facilitated by the state lawmaker, in partnership with Int’l payment gateway, Flutterwave.
The empowerment programme, held in the lawmaker’s constituency office, attracted a wide range of participants including market women, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and Bureau de Change operators.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Adetokunbo clarified that the initiative was not a government-driven programme but a personal he personally facilitated to support the prosperity of his constituents.
Ogunleye explained that the opportunity came through an acquaintance who reached out with information about the Flutterwave POS rollout and its interest in expanding access to Ikorodu. According to him, his role was simply to mobilize interested residents to benefit from the initiative.
‘This is not a government programme. It is about identifying opportunities and ensuring our people are not left out’, he said.
Representatives of Flutterwave, Mr. Steve and Mr. Ibrahim, addressed the gathering, educating participants on the use and benefits of the POS terminals.
They explained that the devices are designed to support seamless transactions, including local and international payments, and can process foreign currencies such as dollars.
They also encouraged transport operators, to adopt the system as part of efforts to align with Nigeria’s growing cashless economy, noting that the POS machines could improve efficiency and ease of doing business.
The Iyaloja-General of Ikorodu Division, Deaconess Busola Isikalu, praised the lawmaker’s effort and urged market women and women to take advantage of the opportunity, highlighting its potential to enhance business operations and financial inclusion.
Also present was the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Babawale Bisiriyu Alogba, who expressed support for the initiative.
The Seriki of the Bureau de Change operators also addressed attendees, noting that the introduction of POS machines would simplify transactions and make business operations more efficient for members.
Flutterwave officials informed participants that the POS machines would not be distributed immediately. However, interested beneficiaries were required to submit their details, including names, business information, and WhatsApp numbers, as part of the registration process. Distribution is expected to take place within one week after registration.
The initiative underscores the lawmaker’s efforts to connect grassroots entrepreneurs with digital financial tools, ensuring they are better positioned to thrive as Nigeria continues its transition toward a cashless economy.
