No fewer than 170 business owners in Lagos State have benefited from the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus Programme under the Ministry of Women Affairs Poverty Alleviations Delivery Platform 1:3.
The WAPA Delivery Platform 3:0 is targeted at assisting residents who were adversely affected by the pandemic.
Speaking at the financial literacy training for participants, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo, stated that the move was part of social inclusion aimed at revitalising businesses negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This programme is the third in its series since 2022, aimed at providing support and assisting residents in rebuilding their lives and businesses with the proper skills and knowledge.
“Participants will also be empowered with cash grants. Remember your success and the success of this programme will serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Nigerian people,” Kalesanwo said.
She implored beneficiaries to be disciplined with the cash grants, adding that verification agents would pay unscheduled visits to them to ensure the judicious use of the money for their identified project.
In her address, the facilitator/financial expert of the training, Mrs Lawal Olanrewaju, advised participants to have a profiled bank statement in their chosen trades for financial development.
Olanrewaju said, “Your business account should be focused on your tradesmanship and not personal transactions. You need to put yourself on salary, so you do not kill your business.
“You are part of a larger vision to rebuild and revitalise our nation. Your knowledge fosters the growth of the nation, hence, make sure your account details align.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Certificates of Completion and cash grants to beneficiaries at the training.
