The Lagos State Government has given financial assistance to another set of 2000 grassroots indigents to start a micro-business under the phase two of the Eko Cares Financial Assistance Initiative, otherwise known as “Sanwo-Olu Cares”, with the theme “Go Forward, Grow Lagos”. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, whose Office is championing the initiative, stated that 2000 vulnerable Lagosians have so far benefitted from the Eko Cares initiative. She explained that, based on the awareness created with the previous initiative, Mr. Governor has graciously approved the extension of the gesture to another set of 2000 beneficiaries. Princess Adebowale hinted that the beneficiaries of the second phase of EKO Cares were selected across the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the State, adding that the second phase has been augmented with the micro-business component instead of direct cash payments. According to her, “We have added the direct acquisition of micro-business component to the new phase in that, participants will receive products directly from partnering Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies at factory prices instead of cash payment, in order to allow beneficiaries to start trading in their neighborhoods at a competitive advantage thereby maximising profits”. She stressed that apart from receiving the products, participants would be drafted into support and monitoring eco-system, involving the participating FMCG Companies and other resource persons who are versatile in small business training and mentorship to guide the beneficiaries on how to manage and grow their small businesses. In her keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Mrs. Lola Akande, noted that it was an understatement that a lot of people need financial assistance to solve a mirage of challenges ranging from chronic ailments, accidents, diverse degree of disasters to loss of jobs occasioned by the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has ravaged the world. Akande said that “This kind of Public-Private Partnership initiative illustrates one of the dynamic ways the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Civic Engagement and in collaboration with the Organised Private Sector, is achieving the stated objectives of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda. Speaking further on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Yusufu Olatunji, described the empowerment initiative as a very laudable gesture from the State Government that would serve as a start-up for micro-businesses and also enhance their already existing businesses. He, therefore, expressed his gratitude to the government for the kind gesture. The ‘EKO CARES INITIATIVE’ is aimed at actualising the Greater Lagos project of the present administration through social inclusion and Making Lagos a 21st Century economy. It was launched in December 2019 by Mr. Governor to support poor indigent Lagosians and improve their sources of livelihoods. Source-lagosstate.gov.ng Image-FB/@followlasg
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