As part of efforts to improve the lot of less privilege in the state, Lagos State government through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has empowered heads of 250 homes for orphans and vulnerable children with various start-up tools for self-reliance and independence.
Speaking at the Household Economic Strengthening For Orphans And Vulnerable Children held at Correctional Centre for Boys, Yaba, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Olusegun Dawodu, identified poverty as the leading cause of household vulnerability and separation in the society.
He stated that most families abandoned their parental roles in the attempts to provide basic needs for their families, which had led to children being neglected and exploited.
He added: “Orphans and vulnerable children are affected/infected with HIV/AIDS, malnourished due to extreme poverty, marginalised, stigmatised or even discriminated against aside needing care or protection.”
Dawodu disclosed that Household Economic Strengthening (HES) comprises a portfolio of interventions to reduce the economic vulnerability of families.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said that the empowerment programme is to strengthen the economic capacities and empower vulnerable households.
She added: “This programme is one of the actualisation of the T.H.E.M.E.S Developmental Agenda of this present administration and the fulfillment of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s promise to reduce poverty in the state to the barest minimum, increase economic independence and improve ability to provide for children.”
Entrepreneurship coach, Mrs Victoria Ekarika, enlightened the beneficiaries on the need to have business plan, financial discipline, saving culture, investment plan and record keeping for them to be successful in business.
Deep freezers, pop-corn making machines, vulcanising machines, hair dryer, sewing machines, clipper and grinding machines were among the empowerment tools distributed to the beneficiaries.
