Rotary International District 9111 has empowered 140 aspiring artisans and small business owners across Lagos and Ogun states with business equipment valued at over N45 million, urging beneficiaries to use the tools to build sustainable livelihoods rather than sell them.
The empowerment programme, sponsored by FirstBank, provided beneficiaries with starter kits including sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdressing kits and other work tools aimed at helping them establish businesses and improve their economic prospects.
District Governor-elect and Project Coordinator, Bukola Bakare, said that the initiative reflected the long-standing partnership between Rotary International and FirstBank in supporting community development and economic empowerment.
According to her, the programme is designed for people who have acquired vocational skills but lack the resources to purchase equipment needed to start businesses.
Bakare disclosed that the equipment distributed was worth over N45 million and advised beneficiaries against selling the items.
“They should utilise the equipment judiciously to better their lives. They are not supposed to sell them. They are expected to use them for their daily livelihoods so that in another year or two, they will also be able to empower somebody else,” she said
Source: The Guardian
