By Joan Odafe
Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has given aspiring entrepreneurs tools, equipment and grants to help promote economic sustainability through entrepreneurship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries received the support during the third edition of Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) organised by WAPA on Wednesday in Lagos.
The state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke briefly before departing to Abuja and later represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the event, said building a foundation for self-reliance, boosting economic growth and unleashing the potential of women, irrespective of their background, would help transform their lives.
The governor said success stories from the first edition of MESI encouraged him to approve the second phase of the programme.
“We have found the significance of this initiative in fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment.
“It speaks volumes about our commitment to creating opportunities, reducing poverty, and nurturing the entrepreneurial skills that define our people,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said through skills acquisition, capacity building and financial empowerment, the state was creating a future where poverty will become an issue, and prosperity, a reality.
On her part, the Commissioner of WAPA, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the programme was a beacon of hope for many aspiring entrepreneurs in the state.
Dada said that about 70 per cent of the beneficiaries were graduates of WAPA’s skills acquisition centres.
She said the tools and equipment, which had been carefully chosen to meet the diverse needs of the beneficiaries would help support their businesses.
The tools and equipment included; stoning and sewing machines, pepper grinders, hair dryers, cake mixers, standing facial steamers and aluminum cutting machines.
Others are: barbing kits including clippers, sterilisers and generators, two-phase burners, 12.5kg cylinders and agricultural items including fertilizers and seeds.
About 200 beneficiaries were given cash grants of N50,000 each, to support their businesses.
“These valuable assets symbolise not just tools of trade but instruments of transformation, designed to enable you to grow your businesses and uplift your communities.
“You have been entrusted with these resources because we believe in your potential to create, innovate and excel.
“I urge you all to seize this moment, to embrace the opportunities laid before you, and to work tirelessly toward achieving your entrepreneurial dreams,” she told the beneficiaries.
The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to persevere, be dedicated and be willing to adapt and learn in order to succeed in their businesses.
Dada thanked the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his confidence in the potential of women and his support in ensuring they are empowered and economically sustained.
Source: (NAN – www.nannews.ng)
