Not less than 200 vulnerable households benefited from the Household Economic Strengthening programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at the Assbifi Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja today.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende said the programme is designed to strengthen the economic capacity of households affected or infected by HIV and other related social circumstances. It underscores the Ministry's unwavering commitment to inclusive development and ensures that no one is left behind under the visionary leadership of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State.
"The Household Economic Strengthening (HES) Programme is a strategic intervention that aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the State Government, particularly under the pillar of Social Inclusion and Gender Equality. Through these initiatives, we are providing practical and sustainable support to households by enhancing their income-generating abilities and reducing their reliance on external assistance. This is because we firmly believe that economic empowerment remains one of the most effective and enduring forms of social support."
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the Household Economic Strengthening programme is a key component programme of the Lagos State Government's social protection and inclusion agenda meant to provide vulnerable households with the tools and opportunities necessary to achieve sustainable livelihoods and improved living standards, which will also reduce poverty, enhance resilience and promote self-sufficiency among families.
Pharm (Mrs.) Oke-Osanyintolu appreciated the partners like Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA) and Nigerian Association of People Living with HIV for their continued support, which has been instrumental in extending the reach and impact of the interventions to those who need them.
The Permanent Secretary implored the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity with dedication and seriousness, not to yield to the temptation of selling the empowerment tools, but to establish their own business, which will, in turn, create employment opportunities for other people.
In his presentation, the facilitator and a Global Peace Ambassador, Comrade Osita Osemene, took the beneficiaries on "Financial Literacy", during which he used Maslow's pyramid of needs to explain to them how to manage their financial resources by giving priority attention to needs instead of wants.
The facilitator also took participants through sessions to help them understand budgeting, investment, rules and regulations of business, integrity and financial obligations to improve their businesses with the knowledge acquired.
Sewing machine, Grinding machine, Pop Corn machine, Cobbling machine, Hairdressing equipment and Barbing equipment were among the empowerment tools presented to the households drawn from every part of the State to improve their economic resilience and overall wellbeing through sustainable income-generating opportunities.
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