INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ERADICATION OF POVERTY: LASG EMPOWERS 400 WOMEN WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

To celebrate the Year 2023 International Day for Eradication of Poverty, the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has empowered about 400 women who are residents of Isheri-Olowoira community, in the Berger area of Lagos State, with a sum of N50,000 to start up small businesses, adding that a facilitator has been provided to teach them on how to invest in sustainable businesses.

While speaking at the Empowerment programme, held at the Isheri Skills Acquisition Centre on Thursday, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed that the empowerment was an avenue to showcase the commitment of the State Government towards women emancipation and protection of vulnerable individuals.

The Commissioner said, “This year, we have decided to be focused on not just widows but, the elderly, people living with disability, and the vulnerable women in our society, because, we all know the economic situation of the country at the moment.”

“In the past, we usually give N20,000 but with the approval of the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the money has been increased to N50,000. We did not just give them the money, we also, got them a facilitator to teach them the businesses that N50,o00 can do.”

“Today, we are empowering 400 women. In the past, we’ve done 1500 making it about 1900 households in total who have benefitted from this programme.”

“It is an avenue to showcase our commitment towards women emancipation and protection of vulnerable individuals, even as we provide them with various opportunities and support through which they need to escape poverty in building dignified lives.”

“I must reiterate here that ensuring women have access to decent work and social protection is crucial for promoting gender – equality and reducing poverty.”

Dada advised the beneficiaries not to despise the day of little beginning, while stating that the money that was given to them can enrich them, and move them from dependency to independency while inviting women-focused NGOs to consider the programme, as a collaboration between government, with employers, civil society organizations, and international partners to form a mutual trust in working together to help Lagos women residents secure stable spaces across all strata of the society, especially in the fight against Sexual and Gender- Based Violence, towards women emancipation and protection.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Oluyemi Kalesanwo, who was represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Salami, Director of Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, while speaking, appreciated the Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his understanding of women empowerment as she reiterated that WAPA remains dedicated to ensuring that Poverty is reduced to its barest minimum amongst women in Lagos State.

According to Salami, the beneficiaries were those selected from the People living with Disability through the Lagos State Office of Disability LASODA, pregnant women, vulnerable women, widows, and the elderly.

She said, “You know there are some elderly women who are still in businesses and needs support to get financial support, widows that have no hope, and also, survivors of domestic violence, who have also been beneficiaries of our skill acquisition centers.”

She commended the Women for coming out in their numbers as beneficiaries of the programme. She advised that they continue to maintain the encouragement to learn more about the arithmetic of business and sustaining it.

“They need to be able to account for whatever they are selling, so that they can do more for themselves.”

“I would advise them to continue to maintain that encouragement, wisdom to learn more about the arithmetic of business and sustaining it. They need to be able to account for whatever they are selling, so that, they can do more for themselves.”

Meanwhile, the Facilitator, Mrs. Racheal Eyitayo Ariori, advised the beneficiaries to use the N50,000 provided wisely as she lectured them on some businesses that could thrive well with that amount.

Ariori mentioned that using that amount of money to start up businesses like Plantain Chips, Vegetables, Kuli-Kuli, peanuts, amongst other businesses could yield a lot of profits thereby eradicating poverty.

One of the beneficiaries, Adeolu Ireoluwa, expressed her gratitude to the Governor, for the opportunity given to her as a beneficiary.

“I plan on using the money to invest in affiliate marketing and also take care of myself,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Tokson Abigail, who is also the woman leader for People Living with Disabilities in Lagos, applauded WAPA for including PWDs in the project.

The Shoemaker, said she would use the money received to boost her business and also start up another little business.