Yemisi Dada
The Lagos State government through its Office of Sustainable Development Goals, OSDG, has empowered another set of one hundred women with financial literacy, in the underserved area of Oko-Agbon, a riverine community in Agboiyi Ketu LCDA.
Speaking at the community engagement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, said the initiative in partnership with Africa Human Capital Development plus was to equip women with the knowledge needed to unlock financial freedom and secure their livelihoods so that they can build a future of dignity and independence for themselves and their families.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of SDG, Mrs Olayemi Sarunmi, the Special Adviser was optimistic that when women are financially independent, the community flourishes, the economy grows and development becomes truly sustainable.
“As we envision a Lagos where no woman is too distant to be seen, too poor to be served, or too remote to be counted, we are building a future where inclusion is not just a promise but a practice, a future where every woman, regardless of her location or background, has access to opportunity, dignity, and the tools to thrive”
“This vision demands that we continue to push boundaries, dismantle structural barriers, and amplify the voices of the most marginalized. It calls for sustained investment, bold partnerships, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of women” she said
The Lagos State government technical partner, Africa Human Capital Development plus represented by Ms Halima Mohammed, commended the efforts of the team for getting to over ten hard to reach communities for the women’s financial literacy and inclusion projects which she described as a huge success in the last one year, with one thousand two hundred women empowered.
“Lagos, as one of Africa’s largest urban economies, has again shown
that when the right investments are made in people in their health,
skills, and productive potential-the returns are far-reaching. And
when data informs this investment, progress is not just visible it is
measurable and sustainable.
Let me use this opportunity to express deep appreciation to Dr
Oreoluwa Finnih and the entire coordination team”.
” Your leadership
has been both strategic and passionate, ensuring that this advocacy
reached the people who need it the most. We also extend our thanks
to the participating LGAs, traditional leaders, financial service
providers, and the many women whose courage and participation
brought life to our interventions”
Appreciating the gesture on behalf of the riverine community, the traditional ruler Oba Monsuru Oladega, advised the beneficiaries to inculcate saving habit as being trained to be financially independent with a call on the state government to replace the wooden bridge of over two kilometers with concrete casting while advocating speedy inauguration of the public hospital in the area to complement the SDG efforts.
Some of the beneficiaries said the financial literacy capacity building will go a long way in boosting their self esteem and promoting entrepreneurial spirit in their communities.
The one hundred women were registered under the Ilera Eko Health scheme to benefit one year health services free of charge in accredited facilities.
Rural areas which have benefited from the HCD program are Aderupoko Community in Iwaya, Lagos Mainland, Oke Ira Central Community, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ilaje Community, Bariga
Araromi-Ale, Badagry, Taffi Community, Oto-Awori LCDA, Ojo, Araromi Community, Ibeju Lekki, Odomola Community and Eredo LCDA, Epe.
Others are Ijora Badia, Apapa Iganmu, Amukoko Community, Ifelodun LCDA, Mende Community, Maryland, Kosofe and Oke-Ira Community, Ogba.