Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: A Catalyst for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Lagos State
The Lagos State Government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through strategic initiatives aimed at promoting financial independence and sustainable businesses. Recognizing the crucial role of women in shaping Nigeria’s economic future, the government has implemented various programs to address the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, including limited access to funding, market penetration difficulties, and inadequate business management skills. By providing training, grants, and networking opportunities, the government aims to equip women with the necessary tools to build thriving and resilient enterprises.
At a recent empowerment program held in Lagos, stakeholders from government, business, and local communities converged to emphasize the significance of supporting female entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and poverty reduction. Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, the founder of FreshOla Organics, delivered a compelling keynote address, highlighting the transformative impact of women’s economic participation. She acknowledged the obstacles encountered by many women entrepreneurs, while commending the Lagos State Government’s proactive approach in bridging the gaps through targeted interventions. Jimmy-Eboma urged beneficiaries to fully leverage the provided resources to establish sustainable businesses that can withstand economic fluctuations.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Hauwa Adeeyo, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for women-owned businesses. She articulated the administration’s commitment to ensuring women have access to economic opportunities, emphasizing the various empowerment programs, skill acquisition initiatives, and financial support mechanisms implemented to facilitate their success. Adeeyo further highlighted the government’s efforts to reduce poverty among women through financial inclusion and strengthened cooperative models, enhancing access to capital for business ventures.
The importance of local government involvement in women’s economic empowerment was underscored by Rekiah Hassan, Chairman of the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area. Hassan emphasized the positive ripple effects of empowering women at the grassroots level, citing stronger families, improved education for children, and overall community development. She expressed the local government’s full support for the initiatives, aiming to ensure that every woman in Lagos has the opportunity to flourish economically. Furthermore, Hassan called upon corporate organizations and financial institutions to partner with the government in expanding financial access for female entrepreneurs, asserting that adequate support for women-owned businesses would accelerate economic growth.
The Lagos State Government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment extends beyond immediate interventions. Plans are already underway to further empower women entrepreneurs in digital and financial growth strategies in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025. This proactive approach underscores the government’s recognition of the evolving landscape of business and the need for continuous support and development.
By fostering a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, the Lagos State Government is not only driving economic growth but also contributing to social development. Empowered women are better equipped to participate meaningfully in the economy, create jobs, generate income, and improve their living standards. Moreover, their contributions have a positive cascading effect on families and communities, fostering a more prosperous and equitable society. The government’s sustained efforts in this area demonstrate a clear understanding of the transformative potential of women’s entrepreneurship and its vital role in achieving sustainable development goals. As more women gain access to resources, training, and networks, they will be empowered to become agents of change, shaping a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the state as a whole.
