By Henry Uche
To uplift vulnerable Nigerians in Lagos’ Oshodi-Isolo local government area, SOS Children’s Villages (Nigeria) has disbursed N240 million to over 250 women entrepreneurs running micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. Through eight Village Savings & Loans Associations (VSLAs) in the area, this initiative aims to empower and support their enterprises.
The eight groups that received N30 million each are: United; Bond; Women of Grace; Ife Ari Anu; Endless Love; God’s Time; Orisunbare, and Glory of God Village Savings & Loans Association (VSLAs).
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Director- SOS Children’s Villages, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, affirmed that the financial empowerment was designed to build resilience, independence and create opportunities to allow people turn hope into action and vision into reality.
“We are helping to establish a sustainable livelihood and nurturing environment where children can grow with security and opportunities. Irrespective of religion, gender, political alignment, culture, background, or disability. “We enable parents and guardians to build small, sustainable businesses that directly benefit their families. The results are tangible, stable incomes, independence, and the ability to invest in their children’s education, health, and overall well-being.
Each new business represents a family’s pathway to a brighter future, where they can independently support their children’s development” he stressed.
To uphold the integrity of this initiative, the traditional ruler, the Adele Oba of Isolo, High Chief Saliu Wasiu Arowooye, pledged to closely monitor the women’s adherence to the program’s terms, ensuring prudent management of the funds despite economic challenges.
“We appreciate SOS Children’s Villages(Nigeria) and call on other well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to show care to the poor in Nigeria no matter how small.
“For this huge financial empowerment, we will make sure the beneficiaries don’t mismanage it. We hope to give positive feedback to the funders at the end of the year when an audit would be carried out. When a woman is empowered, we can beat our chest for multiplication, “ he assured.
In excitement, the president of Unity VSLA, Mrs. Olatunbosun Sherifat, whose group trade on food stuffs promised to make judicious use of grants to expand their business and even employ more people.
“We are grateful to SOS Children’s Villages, we must not waste this N30 million but use it to expand our businesses” she assured.