The Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday empowered 1,050 residents in the state that his administration considered vulnerable and indigent.

The move, Sanwo-Olu said, was in fulfilment of his pledge to end poverty through the implementation of socio-economic empowerment programmes.

The beneficiaries, including graduates of skill acquisition centres, got support to enable them drive their own businesses.

They received, in addition to financial support, business support tools and equipment like grinding machines, hair dressing tools, sewing machines and tyre repair kits.

At the event held at De Blue Roof in the Lagos Television complex, Ikeja, thousands of residents hailed the governor for delivering on his promises to the people.

Sanwo-Olu said the gesture was to “lift them (the beneficiaries) out of poverty and set them firmly on the journey to financial/economic independence.”

He noted that the programme was in line with the foundational ideology of his political party, the All Progressives Congress, adding that it was an attempt to boost the economy of the most vulnerable in the society.

He said, “One of the key functions of government is to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of the people. Living in poverty, or on the edge of poverty, is akin to being submerged in water, struggling to stay afloat. Poverty alleviation seeks to ensure that every person in the water is helped out onto a boat, where they can then get a chance to take charge of their lives and their journeys henceforth.

“What we are doing here today, therefore, is lending a hand to pull the most vulnerable people among us out of the water, in line with our campaign promises and the manifesto of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.”

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Dada, explained at the event that women formed the backbone of the economy in Lagos State and the current administration was ready to place women where they belong.

Dada said, “It is an established fact that the economic activities of the women often constitute the back bone of our economy. Studies have shown that increasing women’s economic opportunities is the key to poverty reduction and economic growth. Lagos firmly believes that women’s economic empowerment is a crucial pillar of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.” (Daily Trust)

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