Women entrepreneurs get N240 million grant to boost business growth

Logistics Manager, Royal Foam, Adewale Odeseye (left); Marketing Manager, Adetunji Adeleye: General Manager, South, Ezekiel Akhiromen; Programme Director SOS Children’s Villages, Ayodeji Adelopo; Head of Sales and Marketing, Adesina Adetola; Head of Sales Admin/Accounts, Blessing Alobo Oche and Business Development Manager, Solomon Adeyemi during donation of items to SOS Children’s Villages in Lagos. Photo: Eniola Daniel

SOS Children’s Villages, through its Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), has empowered tradeswomen with N240 million and foodstuffs in Lagos State as part of efforts to encourage women entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

The grant was disbursed to eight groups in the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, Eghosa Erhumwunse, said the fund will enable parents to build sustainable businesses that directly benefit their families.

He stated that the organisation is 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.

Erhumwunse explained that each new business represents a family’s pathway to a brighter future, where they can independently support their children’s development.

According to him, the results are tangible: stable incomes, independence, and the ability to invest in their children’s education, health, and overall well-being.

Erhumwunse highlighted that the VSLA’s structure has the power to transform lives and uplift entire communities.

He stressed that the group of women leading initiatives is helping to strengthen the very fabric of their neighbourhoods.

“Whether it’s selling rice, eggs, cooking oil, or other essential items, each business venture embodies a commitment to economic resilience and community growth. This collective strength fosters a stable and supportive environment for children to thrive,” he said.

On his part, the Adele Oba of Isolo, High Chief Saliu Wasiu Arowooye, lauded SOS Children’s Villages for their support of women in the community.

He pledged to ensure beneficiaries do not mismanage the financial empowerment, saying, “We hope to give positive feedback to the funders at the end of the year.”

One of the beneficiaries, who is the president of Unity VSLA, Olatunbosun Sherifat, said the N30 million business grants will enable her to expand her food business.