The Lagos State Government has reiterated its dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs through targeted initiatives designed to enhance financial independence and business sustainability.
At an empowerment program held in Lagos on Thursday, key stakeholders from government, business, and local communities emphasized the crucial role of supporting female entrepreneurs in driving economic growth and alleviating poverty.
In her keynote address, Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, founder of FreshOla Organics, highlighted the significant contributions of women to Nigeria's economic development. She pointed out challenges such as limited access to funding, market entry barriers, and inadequate business management skills, stressing the need for government intervention to bridge these gaps.
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"Women are key players in economic activities, yet many struggle due to restricted access to resources. The Lagos State Government's dedication to empowering women is commendable, as it provides a platform for us to grow, scale our businesses, and make meaningful economic contributions," Jimmy-Eboma stated.
She encouraged beneficiaries of the empowerment program to maximize the training, grants, and networking opportunities available to build resilient and sustainable businesses.
Hauwa Adeeyo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women-led enterprises.
"Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration remains intentional about expanding economic opportunities for women. Through various empowerment initiatives, skill development programs, and financial support, we are equipping women with the tools they need to thrive as entrepreneurs," Adeeyo noted.
She further explained that several government interventions have been launched to combat poverty among women, with a focus on strengthening financial inclusion and cooperative models to improve access to capital.
Additionally, Rekiah Hassan, Chairman of the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement in women's economic empowerment.
"At the community level, we witness firsthand how empowering women leads to stronger families, improved education for children, and overall community development. That's why we are fully supporting these initiatives to ensure that every woman in Lagos has the opportunity to succeed," Hassan stated.
She also called on corporate organizations and financial institutions to collaborate with the government in expanding financial access for female entrepreneurs, stressing that increased support for women-led businesses would accelerate economic growth.
