Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, on Tuesday provided startup kits to over 500 women in Mushin and Surulere Local Goverment areas of the state.
Speaking during othe event, Mrs Bolaji Dada, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the initiative was geared towards empowerment of women in the state.
Dada noted that the recipients had under-gone four weeks short-term skill acquisitions programmes that would help them to be financial independent.
Some of the skills offered include, events decoration, tie and dye, catering and headgear (gele) tying and makeup.
Others are ankara craft and leather works, hair dressing. among others.
“First and foremost, I must commend the participants for their large turnout, passion and enthusiasm which they had all displayed in the last four weeks.
“I want to particularly applaud the Champions of Sickle Cell Anemia, who are part of this initiative at ensuring self sustenance and financial independence for our women,” she said.
She added that the event was one in a series of five intervention programmes that is being organised by the Ministry for retired civil servants, sickle cell warriors, and people living with HIV.
Dada noted that the startup kits would enable the beneficiaries leverage on the various skills acquired and other vocational training support which has been offered to them.
The commissioner urged women in the state to take advantage of the various 19 skills acquisition centres across the state to engage themselves meaningfully to attain financial dependent.
One of the beneficiary, Gloria Olusoji, who was trained in wig making, commended the state government for the initiative.
“I am really happy to be part of the beneficiaries.
“The past four weeks has been a wonderful one for me and I promise to start my business with the knowledge and startup kit I have received,” she said.
Kate Hogan, another beneficiary applauded the government and the ministry for impacting the lives of women in the state.
“The good thing about this programme is that it is tuition free and we are also given a startup kit to commence whatever we have learnt.
“With the knowledge I have acquired in catering, it will help me to be self sufficient when I start my business,” she said
