- Targets 20,000 Recipients by December
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday presented cheques totalling N924.7million to 1,438 beneficiaries of the Employment Trust Fund (ETF) scheme initiated by his administration to provide entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and others with capital to boost their businesses thereby reducing unemployment and increasing wealth among the people.
About 4,000 businesses have so far benefited a total of N3.5billion from the scheme, while the target of the state government is to support about 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises and create at least 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs by 2019 through the initiative.
Governor Ambode in January presented cheques totaling about N1billion to 705 beneficiaries who were selected after scaling through a transparent screening process.
Governor Ambode, while speaking at the presentation ceremony held at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 in Ikeja, expressed delight that the government was on course to meet the objectives of the initiative, adding that it was also encouraging that the previous beneficiaries had started repaying their loans, thereby expanding their businesses and creating jobs.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, made particular reference to one of the earlier beneficiaries simply identified as Jand2Gidi, saying that it was a thing of joy that they had started contributing to the growth of Lagos economy.
“One of the success stories of this programme which I am very proud of is the achievement of one of the first set of beneficiaries, a company called Jand2Gidi, run by two young women.
“Today, they have invested their loan in buying motorcycles for their delivery men, and hired people to operate those motorcycles. Not only are they repaying their loan, they have also created at least 10 direct jobs for Lagos residents, thereby increasing the economic activity across the state. We eagerly expect to celebrate many more success stories like this,” Governor Ambode said.
The governor, who commended the ETF Board for the good work done so far, equally charged them to increase the pace of work and ensure that by the end of 2017, at least 20,000 businesses would have benefited from the loan programme, just as he expressed optimism that the overall target of the scheme would be met by 2019.
Governor Ambode, while congratulating the new 1,438 beneficiaries, charged them and other potential beneficiaries to emulate those who were repaying their loans, thereby ensuring the success of the programme.
“It is only when you pay your loans back, and grow your businesses, that we can truly celebrate the success of this programme. Your success is our success, and together we will grow Lagos State’s economy and create jobs for our residents.
“This initiative is another example of taxpayers’ money working for the people. I cannot thank enough all taxpaying citizens for providing the resources from which the state government contributes N6.25billion tranches annually to the N25billion Employment Trust Fund,” the governor said.
Besides, he urged other existing businesses or people desirous of starting one to take advantage of the scheme, assuring that the process of assessing and selecting beneficiaries would continue to be transparent and meet globally acceptable standards.
Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, in her opening remarks, said the presentation ceremony was another milestone by Governor Ambode’s administration, saying that the vision of the governor in setting up the Fund, which was the first of its kind in Nigeria, and his unwavering commitment to its success deserved commendation.
Omoigui-Okauru also revealed a partnership between the LSETF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve technical and vocational training in the state.
Under the programme, she said the LSETF would contribute Naira equivalent of $3million, while UNDP would contribute $1million and the funding would be used to train eligible Lagos residents in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality and entertainment, while successful trainees would be placed in jobs at the completion of the programme.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries, Mr O.A Goriola of November 16 Nig Ltd, commended the state government for the initiative and pledged that the funds would be judiciously utilised.
