Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday said his administration had prioritised women empowerment to mitigate the effect of the economic recession on residents.
Ambode, represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this at the Mega Empowerment Programme for Vulnerable Graduates of Skills Acquisition Centres in the state.
The presentation of materials and financial support to beneficiaries was organised by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
Ambode said that the empowerment programme would sustain reduction of poverty and promote the standard of living of citizens, especially women and the elderly in the society.
”This programme, which is another giant step among the several empowerment programmes of this administration, is meant to take care of the needs of widows, vulnerable women and graduates of skill acquisition centres in the state.
”Three thousand residents are being empowered today to make them self-reliant through this enablement materials and financial provision.
”This administration is committed to alleviating poverty among its populace and will continue to empower its citizens,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources and tools to support their families and the society.
Also speaking, wife of the Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, said that women were crucial to shaping the society at the social, economic and political levels.
According to her, the empowerment of women is central to initiatives fashioned to achieve sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
In her remarks, Mrs Lola Akande, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), said that the start-up tools would aid beneficiaries to become self-employed, self-reliant and employers of labour.
Akande said that the beneficiaries were selected from the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.
”We will continue to initiate and embark on sustainable programmes within the ministry’s mandate to raise the standard of living of women and residents in the state.
”We urge the beneficiaries to use the materials wisely to create wealth, create employment for the unemployed and contribute their quota to the growth of the state’s economy, ”Akande said.
Business start-up tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines, cake-making tools, vulcanising machines, generating sets, hairdressing dryers and bowls, chest freezers, tile cutters and gas cookers were distributed to beneficiaries. (NAN)
LCO/IKU/SOA