The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), on Friday empowered 500 vulnerable women in the state with N20,000 each to commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Mrs Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), said the programme was organised to raise awareness on the need for eradication of poverty through its numerous empowerment programmes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day to Eradicate Poverty is marked every Oct. 17 yearly.
The theme for this year’s event is “Building Forward Together; Ending Persistence Poverty, Respecting all People and our Planet.”
Dada said:” Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather, our individual problems that disturbs a way to earn a livelihood, as a way of daily income.
“Therefore, it is important for us as a responsive government, to address the poor state of poverty in our noble State, through the introduction of various empowerment programmes.
“This is to support indigents and vulnerable women in line with our Ministry’s vision; “to sustainably Reduce Poverty in Lagos State”.
The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the money for the right purpose., saying “Nothing is too small to start up a petty business, so I want you all to use this to start your own little business which could blossom over time.
“Some of the top business men and women today started their businesses small and over the years they have been able to take their businesses to the next level, you also can do it”.
One of the beneficiary, Mrs Gladys Okiki, thanked the state government for the cash, noting that it will help to revive petty trade which was disrupted during the COVID-19 induced lockdown.
“I am so happy and delighted for this kind gesture, my business is yet to recover since COVID-19 lockdown but with this cash I will bounce back,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Agnes Johnson, a widow who appreciated the government, said she would use the money to start up a fruit business.
“I do cleaning jobs around my area to feed my four children daily but with this money, I will able to start a fruit business which I have always wanted to do,” she said.
Mr Taofik Ayanbiyi, who was part of the few men who benefitted from cash empowerment, applauded the government for the gesture, while urging other states to emulate the Lagos government.