The Lagos State Government through the Civics Engagement Office has begun implementing the second phase of its Social Intervention Initiative.
According to the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, the second phase of the initiative would benefit another 2,000 citizens, as it did in its first edition.
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The participants, drawn from the state’s Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, received start-up soft drink packs from Pepsi and Bigi Cola drinks worth N10,000 to start trading with, at the presentation ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa.
Adebowale stated that buying the products at reduced prices offers “participants a competitive edge and will enable them make some profits,” adding that those who manage their initial capital effectively would get further financial and business assistance.
Speaking at the event, the guest of honour and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the state, Lola Akande, noted that the initiative was part of Sanwo-Olu’s social inclusion programme.
“This is one of the dynamic ways the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Civic Engagement is collaborating with the Organised Private Sector in achieving one element of its THEMES agenda of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy,” she said.
Tijani Babatunde, a representative for Bigi Cola Drink, told the beneficiaries: “This is a way of creating empowerment and opportunities to turn your business around.”
He said any of them who successfully enhanced the initial N10,000 worth of goods will be further assisted, adding, “by so doing, we are creating wealth.”
Participants at the event also received training in Book Keeping and Customer Service strategies needed to manage and grow their businesses.
