Lagos empowers 500 women with financial literacy, entrepreneurship training

Lagos State Government, in collaboration with development partners and financial institutions, has empowered over 500 women across five communities with financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and access to vital financial services.

The initiative aims to enhance economic independence and self-reliance among women in hard-to-reach areas.

The advocacy programme, titled “Promoting Human Capital Development through Advocacy for Women’s Financial Inclusion in Hard-to-Reach Communities,” was organized by the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in partnership with HCD Africa, Pay Business (Opay), Cowrywise, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

It took place across five communities: Odomola in Epe, Amukoko in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ojojo in Kosofe, Oke Ira in Ojodu, and Ojora Badia in Apapa-Iganmu, with over 100 women participating from each location.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women and promoting financial inclusion.

Represented by her Technical Assistant, Dr. Oluwunmi Akinlade, she emphasized the importance of financial independence and encouraged women to engage in business ventures, no matter how small, while adopting a culture of savings.

“It is crucial to empower women with the necessary skills to improve their businesses and develop a saving habit. Financial independence allows women to care for their families and achieve their goals without relying solely on others,” she said.

The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Segun Odunmbaku, also pledged support for the initiative, expressing his willingness to collaborate with the Office of the SDGs and other partners to expand the programme’s reach.

He stressed the need for sustainability and urged stakeholders to extend financial empowerment opportunities to more women, particularly single mothers and widows.

Representatives from LASRRA, NIMC, Cowrywise, and Pay Business (Opay) educated participants on the importance of data registration for economic and social development. Women were also encouraged to register for the National Identification Number (NIN) and LASRRA to facilitate financial inclusion.

Several beneficiaries commended the Lagos State Government and its partners for the initiative, noting its positive impact on their financial awareness.

Mrs. Hafsat Adedoja Kazeem, Tunwashe Olubukola, Mutiat Balogun, and Fatimo Titilayo Alasan were among those who expressed gratitude, stating that the programme had reshaped their understanding of financial management, investment, and savings.