Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has promised that his administration will work tirelessly to ensure that women, especially those operating Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises at the grassroots, are given the tools, resources, and support they need to flourish.
Sanwo-Olu said this today at an event organized by the State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in collaboration with Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network (WEPDN) to mark the International Women’s Day 2024, themed, “Inspire Inclusion: “Economic Inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs (NANOs/MSMEs) at the Grass root/Community Level,” held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi-Ikeja, Lagos.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat stated that by focusing on economic inclusion, his government aims to build a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute their quota to the economic growth of the State.
“Thus, the collaboration between our government and the Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network signifies shared commitment and vision to this cause. Together, we will explore avenues for policy formulation, capacity building and the creation of a conducive environment that supports the growth and sustainability of women-owned businesses”, said Sanwo-Olu.
Speaking further, the Governor said his government has long recognized the pivotal role women entrepreneurs and professionals play in the socio-economic development of the society and the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for women in business is unwavering and has undertaken numerous initiatives to support this vision.
He cited numerous initiatives that have been taken to provide women with capital, training and networks necessary to grow their businesses. Among these are the 4 billion Naira LSETF-W initiative, investment in vocational training centres, the launch of Lagos Trader Money and participation in the “Inform Women, Transform Lives” campaign.
Sanwo-Olu noted that with the project, the state government envisioned a Lagos where every woman entrepreneur, regardless of her location or the size of her business, has access to the internet and data resources needed to grow and succeed. He added that the digital literacy programs and e-commerce platforms tailored for women-owned enterprises, ensuring that the digital economy becomes a vast field of opportunities for all.
He stressed that the theme underscores the state’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs and professionals are empowered to thrive. He
In her goodwill message, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat stated that economic empowerment of women is the surest route and opportunity for improving women’s social status and National development.
She emphasized that women’s participation in decision-making, especially entrepreneurs, is not just a right but also a key to sustainable development, adding that “the Lagos State government recognizes and gives women their respective accolades and positions in governance.”
She therefore encouraged more women to part take in the decision-making process of the state, as the State continues to prioritize policies that would improve the lives of individuals, including quality education, health, housing and social justice.
In his goodwill message, Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Abiodun Tobun stated that women are essential in the development and growth of any country’s economy, adding that they are the cornerstone of success and opportunities.
Hon. Tobun said the initiative of the State Government will enable women to be more involved in capacity building and give opportunities for them to be more involved in doing business which will help reduce the rate of unemployment in the country and the state.
Similarly, in her welcome address, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose Medembem said the state will continue to work with its partners at all levels, to accelerate progress towards economic inclusion of women entrepreneurs at the grassroots and community level for the prosperity of the State.
Mrs. Medebem stated that the state government is striving to implement targeted policies and programmes that prioritize and meet the needs of women businesses at the grassroots, including access to microcredit facilities, capacity building, and increased access to market and networking opportunities.
