By Adekunle Williams
Mrs Omope Adedeji, Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, says the council has empowered no fewer than 1,500 artisans with N150 million business support since April.
Adedeji made this known at the third edition of the Artisan Empowerment programme held at the council secretariat on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first edition was on April 1, with N50 million given to 500 artisans, while the second edition took place on July 28.
Addressing beneficiaries, Adedeji said her administration gave a cash palliative of ₦100,000 each to 500 beneficiaries in this third edition.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by small businesses, saying that the decision to give the grants was to change the narrative.
According to the chairman, beneficiaries such as leather workers, bead makers, soap makers, printers, and petty traders were empowered to help cushion the impact of economic challenges on grassroots families and local enterprises.
She said that the programme was not just about giving out financial support, but about investing in their skills, businesses and ensuring economic independence of the people in the area.
“This 3rd edition of the programme was an initiative established to support hardworking artisans and traders strengthen small businesses within our community.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have remained committed to empowering our people and creating opportunities that can improve their livelihoods. Today’s programme is another demonstration of that commitment.
“We understand that many artisans and traders work tirelessly every day to provide for their families and contribute to the development of Bariga.
“The support being provided today may appear small to some, but we believe that every meaningful journey begins with a step,” Adedeji said.
She urged the beneficiaries to ensure productive use of the support, expand their businesses, employ others and become even stronger contributors to the local economy.
The chairman assured the residents of Bariga LCDA that the empowerment initiative would continue.
According to her, the government will continue to look for practical ways to support the artisans, youths, women and other vulnerable groups.
While congratulating the 500 beneficiaries, Adedeji urged them to remember that the real value of the empowerment lies in what they build with it.
Also speaking, immediate past chairman of the LCDA, Mr Kolade Alabi, said the empowerment was driven by the council’s belief that small and medium-scale enterprises are the backbone of any thriving economy and community.
Alabi, who is the APC House of Representatives candidate for Shomolu, said the empowerment was not just a programme, but a movement to transform lives and rewrite the economic story of Bariga.
In the same vein, the APC Chairman in Bariga, Mr Akin Mejolagbe, also commended the council chairman for impacting lives in the area.
Taibat Awosika, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman, saying that the fund will go a long way in growing her trade. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu