Over 100 artisans, business owners benefit from LASCCWA empowerment programme at Apapa-Iganmu

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

More than 100 artisans and small business owners in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have received vocational equipment and cash grants under the Lagos State Council Chairmen’s Wives Association (LASCCWA) Women Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth across local communities.

The beneficiaries received a wide range of business support items, including tailoring machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, hairdressing equipment, vulcanising machines, carpenter starter kits, technicians’ toolboxes, generators for barbers, shoe cobbler machines and cash grants to help expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA and host of the programme, Alhaja Kikelomo Layeni Jimoh, described the initiative as a life-changing intervention designed to equip residents with the tools needed to become economically independent.

In a release made available by Tedunjaiye Raymond, Chief Press Secretary of the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Jimoh expressed gratitude to Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her sustained support for women, families and vulnerable groups across the state, while commending the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, for prioritising the welfare and economic development of residents.

According to her, the empowerment programme was carefully designed to support artisans and entrepreneurs across various trades by providing practical tools that would enable them to increase productivity, grow their businesses and improve household incomes.

She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, expressing optimism that the intervention would bring lasting economic benefits to their families and communities.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, said the programme deliberately targeted genuine artisans and vulnerable residents rather than political associates.

He explained that beneficiaries were selected through recognised artisan associations to ensure that only individuals actively engaged in their respective trades benefited from the initiative.

According to the council chairman, lessons from previous empowerment exercises informed the current selection process after some beneficiaries sold the equipment immediately after receiving them.

He said additional safeguards were introduced to prevent such occurrences, noting that all beneficiaries were verified members of recognised artisan groups with existing businesses requiring support.

“We are empowering the indigent. We did not give these items to politicians. We worked with artisan associations to identify those who genuinely need the equipment to improve their businesses,” he said.

Saliu added that the objective was to provide young artisans and struggling entrepreneurs with the tools they could not otherwise afford, enabling them to become financially self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

In her remarks, President of LASCCWA and wife of the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Mrs. Abimbola Odunmbaku, described the initiative as part of a long-standing empowerment programme implemented across all local governments and LCDAs in Lagos State.

She said each council chairperson was entrusted with identifying deserving beneficiaries because of their close understanding of the needs within their communities.

Mrs. Odunmbaku encouraged beneficiaries to use the equipment and financial assistance productively rather than dispose of them for immediate financial gains.

She noted that the programme reflects LASCCWA’s commitment to promoting women and youth empowerment, supporting entrepreneurship and reducing poverty through sustainable livelihood initiatives.

The event attracted government officials, traditional and community leaders, artisan associations and residents, while beneficiaries expressed appreciation to LASCCWA and the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA administration, describing the intervention as a timely boost that would enable them to strengthen their businesses and improve their standard of living.