LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin Wife of Lagos State Governor Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has empowered 500 skilled workers with tools as part of initiatives of the Office of the First Lady to tackle unemployment.
Tagged ‘2024 Community Sensitisation and Empowerment’, the event held at the Lagos House in Ikeja. It was the sixth edition since the start of the Sanwo-Olu administration in 2019.
Beneficiaries of the initiatives included hairdressers, auto-mechanics, shoemakers, caterers, carpenters, tilers, vulcanisers, make-up artists, tailors, barbers, popcorn makers among other vocations.
Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, represented by wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hazmat, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the tools for themselves and to empower others.
According to her, this edition was an improvement from past editions as more tools were incorporated into the programme based on assessed needs and feasibility studies carried out by her office.
“As we present these tools that support trades such as hairdressing, catering, fashion design, barbing, tailoring, and other vocational skills, we are not merely handing over equipment, but we are delivering hope, dignity, and the instruments of independence.
“We believe that true economic empowerment must be holistic, combining both skill acquisition and access to the necessary tools. This is why we deliberately designed two different approaches, starting with financial education and now proceeding to the practical phase with tools that will help our beneficiaries build wealth, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of our beloved state.
“The truth is that when people are equipped with the right tools, they become builders not just of livelihoods but of vibrant, thriving communities.
“To our beneficiaries, you are the heartbeat of this initiative. Your stories will validate our efforts. Your success will inspire others and your journey, from empowerment to enterprise, will reinforce what is possible when purpose is matched with opportunity.
“Please, do not trivialize this gesture. We count on you to help reduce unemployment by using these tools to uplift yourselves and, ultimately, impact others positively,” she said.
The governor’s wife assured the beneficiaries that some of them will be patronized for their services in future government events.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada, represented by Mrs. Toyin Salami, hailed the governor’s wife for the intervention. She noted that such initiative shows that every Lagosian deserves to thrive and succeed.
“Government is committed to supporting initiatives like this in line with the THEMES+ agenda. This empowerment is a seed, so nurture it and let it grow,” she urged the beneficiaries.
