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 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.

She said: “Today is not simply about receiving tools or support. It is about embracing the opportunity that has been given to you. We believe in your potential, your resilience and your ability to use these resources to improve your life, your families and contribute positively to our society.”

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.

She added that Rotary would monitor beneficiaries for one year through regular phone calls and unannounced visits to ensure the equipment was being used for its intended purpose.

Explaining the selection process, Bakare said Rotary’s 85 clubs across Lagos and Ogun states nominated candidates from their communities, after which prospective beneficiaries underwent screening to confirm they genuinely required the starter kits.

She explained that the programme targets individuals who have completed vocational training but are unable to afford the equipment needed to begin work.

District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, described the equipment as seeds for future prosperity rather than mere gifts.

“It is not enough just to give you these items. Today, we are sowing the seed. I want you to see them beyond sewing machines, generators or grinding machines. When you plant a seed, it germinates. Plant these very well so they can continue to grow,” he said.

Akinyele noted that Rotary deliberately chose to provide equipment instead of cash to ensure beneficiaries invested directly in productive ventures.

Speaking on behalf of FirstBank, Acting Head of Retail Business, SME Banking Department, Musiliu Olokodana, said the bank’s partnership with Rotary had lasted for more than five years and had empowered over 400 artisans through similar interventions.

He said the latest programme benefited 140 participants from Lagos and Ogun states, adding that each item distributed represented an opportunity for financial independence and business growth.

“Today’s empowerment is another important milestone in that shared journey. Beyond the numbers, every sewing machine, grinding machine, hairdressing kit and work tool presented today represents renewed hope and a pathway to financial independence,” Olokodana said.

He added that the initiative aligned with FirstBank’s sustainability agenda and commitment to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises through strategic partnerships and business support services.