The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Rotary Club earmarks N52m for charity

    The Rotary Club of Ikeja has earmarked not less than N52, 142,000 for different humanitarian services in different parts of Lagos in fulfilment of its 2017/2018 Rotary Year projects.

    The projects, which are driven by Public Private Partnership initiative in Lagos, will focus on peace and conflict resolution and prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation, maternal and child health,  basic education, literacy and  economic and community development.

    President of the club, Rotarian Adeniyi Adelaja, stressed that the first project designed to host four neighbouring African countries on international peace and conflict resolution training seminar and sponsor training of community leaders and police officers will cost $98,000, while the second project that would attract N400, 000 will be in the area of donation of long-lasting treated mosquitoes nets to Agidingbi village.

    It was also gathered that, with the budget of N992, 000 the club would be undertaking potable water project and donation of sanitation materials in Ipodo Community while with N1.4m, it would donate medical equipment to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Christmas gifts presentation to members of staff and patients of the hospital.

    On education, with N12.6m the club would be renovating classroom block and donate other academic materials at Ikeja Junior High School, while N980,000 would be expended on donation of vocational tools to NAFOWA and Olushodu Community and micro-credit scheme for Isolo Community and completion of LSDPC Estate House, Isolo.

    While addressing dignitaries at the investiture ceremony on Sunday, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode urged members of the club to further “assist the government in promoting the vision to provide sustainable environmental management initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living in all our communities”.

    Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, the Governor hinted that, “we are committed to the implementation of a new master plan through which the entire landscape of Ikeja will be upgraded to match its status as the seat of government and centre of industry and commercial activities.

    “Part of this plan is the world-class Ikeja Bus Terminal which will soon be completed and inaugurated.”

  • Ogun urges participation in health care delivery

    The Ogun State government has urged members of various communities in the state to revive Ward Health Development Committees (WDCs) in their localities to improve primary health care service delivery.

    The Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro, made the call in Abeokuta, the state capital, at a Policy Dialogue Workshop organised by the State Primary Health Care Development Board in collaboration with KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Netherland.

    Dr. Aigoro said this has become necessary as a result of recently-conducted researches in Remo North East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on the need to increase immunisation exercise in the area.

    He noted that based on the research findings, active participation of members of the community is needed to ensure optimal primary health care service delivery, adding that their participation would assist in the implementation of government policies and programmes in the health sector.

    “This research has shown us that with community participation, there is improvement in health care service delivery which also translated to general health awareness among members of the community,’’ he said.

    Earlier in his address, the Acting Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, said the research work was embarked upon to find out the reason for the high number of unimmunised children at the end of 2014 immunisation in the Ilara and Ipara wards of the Remo North East LCDA.

    He opined that findings from the research had shown that better result could be achieved when members of the community worked together with government agencies, even as he called on the people to support health officers posted to their domains.

    Presenting the research findings, the leading investigator, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Dr. Ngozi Akwataghibe, said the research had shown the importance of involving members of the communities in the execution of government policies and programmes, noting that there was a drastic improvement in the level of people’s awareness of their health needs.

    In his remarks, the Chairman, Remo North LCDA, Mr Segun Idowu, pledged the council’s readiness to continue its support to the state government in its commitment to provide quality health services for the people.

  • Wanted: Law on women traditional rulers’ council

    Wanted: Law on women traditional rulers’ council

    Women traditional rulers under the aegis of the National Council of Female Traditional Rulers, led by the female traditional ruler of Ibokun in Oriade Local Govermment Area of Osun State, Yeye Mojumu of Ibokun, Adenike Dunsin and the National Coordinator of Women Monarchs in Nigeria, Prof. Fatai Olasupo, gathered at Premier Hotel, Ibadan to drum support for the proposed bill that seeks recognition for female monarchs and establishment of the National Council of Female Traditional Rulers in Nigeria. They also praised Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s free school feeding programme. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

    They gathered in their special ceremonial dresses at Premier Hotel, Ibadan. There, they held a press conference as a harbinger for a stakeholders’ summit on the development of female traditional institution in Nigeria. Women traditional rulers from all parts of Nigeria joined researchers in traditional institution in Nigeria from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife to have heart-to-heart talks on how their institution could be forward-looking. They were led by the female traditional ruler of Ibokun in Oriade Local Govermment Area of Osun State, Yeye Mojumu of Ibokun, Adenike Dunsin and the National Coordinator of Women Monarchs in Nigeria, Prof. Fatai Olasupo.

    They had a clear-cut mission which was to mobilise eminent Nigerians across the country to support them on a proposed bill which is before the National Assembly that seeks recognition for female monarchs and establishment of the National Council of Female Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

    In addition to that, they planned to honour and rejoice with Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State for assisting the women folk through government’s free school feeding programme which it introduced long before the Federal Government adopted the programme.

    They expressed their appreciation to the governor for his immense contributions to the development of women folk in the state, even as they called on other state governors to emulate the gesture that will help the nation’s development.

    “Women are essential tool for national development. It was in recognition of this vital role of women that spurred the governor to initiate meaningful programmes to empower them in a bid to contribute their quota to national development,” they said.

    Yeye Mojumu of Ibokun, Adenike Dunsin, in her letter to the governor dated June 13 this year, a copy of which was made available to reporters, praised Governor Aregbesola for his foresightedness and courage to make life comfortable for the people despite the current global recession and limited resources available to the state.

    The female traditional ruler wrote: “We would like to thank you for your support and empowerment for the women folk in Osun State. We salute you on all your development projects scattered all over the state.

    “We particularly are happy on the free school feeding programme which has significantly assisted the women folk. We pray that God will continue to spare your life so that people of future generations will benefit from your kind heartedness and passion for other crucial issues such as the establishment of council of female monarchs, which your guidance is most needed.”

    The governor, according to the monarch, may not be able to know how much, and the extent the free school feeding programme has touched the lives of many families, especially the women who stand as pillars in their homes.

    She appealed to the governor not to relent in his efforts to bring more developments to the state, particularly the establishment of council of female traditional rulers.

    In his address, the National Coordinator, Female Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Prof. Fatai Olasupo of the Department of Local Government Studies, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), described female traditional institution in Nigeria as historical.

    He noted that evidence of female traditional monarchs is visible in different parts of Nigeria and their roles as traditional rulers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has remained with the culture and values of the people where female monarchs exist till today.

    The renowned academic known for his landmark research works and numerous publications on African Studies, political science and inter-religious relations, stated that researchers have done enough to promote cultural synergy between the “Town and Gown”.

    While calling on government at all levels to tap into the findings of research work, Prof. Olasupo asked: “How many research findings have government at all levels accepted and implemented?

    “For example, 10-year-old research into the existence of female traditional rulership in Nigeria was carried out, among many others. It is exactly a decade this year that the existence of female traditional rulers in Nigeria was unearthed. Take Ijesha land as a case study. There is hardly any town or city in Ijesha land without dual-rulership in traditional governance: male and female kings (Obakurin/Obabinrin).

    “Just like Ilesha, in Ibokun, the headquarter of Obokun Local Government area of Osun State, there is the tradition of male and female kings or what you might call gender balance in traditional governance.

    “For Ilesha, you have Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland and Yeyerise of Ijesha land. In Ibokun, you also have Abokun of Ibokun and Yeye Mujomu of Ibokun.

    Ibokun is a town of less than 10 kilometers from Ilesha, the capital city of Ijesha people. Like

    Ilesha, and indeed every town in Ijesha land, it is a town of dual rulership: male and female kings. Both gender kings have the same number of kingmakers and share nomenclatures of office in common.”

    While drawing attention to the nomenclatures of office of both male and female traditional monarchs, Prof. Olasupo said just as the male monarchs have their beaded crown, beads on their neck, walking sticks and horse wipe so it is with the female traditional rulers, with each having their kingdom and subjects loyal to their directives. They both shared the same insignias of office, he said.

    He condemned what he described as undue suppression and  overbearing influence of male kings over the female traditional rulers.

    Prof. Olasupo commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Ayodele Fayose for being the first governor to put in place a council of female traditional rulers, which was celebrated by all female monarchs in the country.

    The don praised Governor Aregbesola for his interest in women development, even as he urged him to also summon a meeting of royal fathers and mothers not only in Ijesha land but also in Osun State where this noble tradition exists for recognition.

    He said His Royal Highness, the cerebral Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran and the Paramount ruler of Ijesha people, Imperial Majesties, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesties, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi and the late Oonirisa Oba Okunade Olubuse II have all endorsed the presence of female traditional rulers in our traditional communities.

    “David Ijalaye, a retired Professor of Law at OAU; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in old Ondo State; had said if the discovery of female monarchs had been made public when he was a commissioner and had been presented to him when he was reviewing Chieftaincy Laws in old Ondo State, he would have recommended that at least two or three female traditional rulers be included in the old Ondo State Council of Chiefs,” Prof. Olasupo said.

    Dr. Jumoke Adeniran Ajuwon, a researcher and lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University also bemoaned the continued suppression and discrimination against women monarchs by their male counterparts in some communities. She wondered why some male traditional rulers would like to suppress and stifle the voices of female traditional rulers.

    She stated that almost all towns or communities in Nigeria are suffused with the statues of powerful female traditional rulers such as the statue of Moremi in Ile-Ile and others whose reigns would never be forgotten in the history of the people.

  • 300 to benefit from $200m World Bank grant in Osun

    In a bid to boost food security, the Osun State government, in partnership with the World Bank has trained over 300 youths across the state on the FADAMA III programme.

    Tagged FADAMA III AF Graduate Unemployed Youth and Women Support (FADAMA GUYS), the programme was designed to educate the youths on both theory and practical procedures in getting the best from various agricultural enterprises. The programme also focused on building the participants’ knowledge and capacity in managing their farming businesses if supported by the government.

    The training programme afforded the participants drawn all council areas of state the opportunity to get first-hand training from experts in the agriculture sector. The participants were taught the rudiments of soil, fish farming, crop production, animal husbandry and other practical trainings as well as research experiments.

    The programme, which held from July 17 to 28, also provided the participants a platform to write examination and business plans to be sent to the national headquarters of the World Bank in Nigeria to ensure they benefitted from the agency’s $200 million grant facilitated by the Osun State government.

    At the closing ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where certificates were presented to the participants, representatives of the state government and technical facilitators for the training took turns to advise them. The programme Manager, FADAMA III AF in Osun State, Dr. Ganiyu Adediji, said the training was the first step in selecting the beneficiaries of the World Bank grant.

    According to him, only 200 out of the 300 that participated in the programme will be shortlisted to benefit from the $200 million World Bank grant to begin their own businesses based on what they had learnt during the two-week capacity building programme.

    Dr. Adediji urged the FADAMA GUYS to be proactive, resilient and put in good use the knowledge they had gained from the experts in order to make an impact in the society and be of benefit to themselves and their immediate families.

    He, however, praised Governor Rauf Aregbesola for sustaining the programme, warning participants against sharp practices when utilising the funds to be given them as support grants.

    The Programme Manager and Managing Director of Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OSSADEP), Alhaji Mukaila Omisore, who noted that the benefits of boosting national food security could not be understated, said  a nation that is not capable to feeding its citizens is a failed entity. He, therefore, said Governor Aregbesola is in a right direction for creating a vibrant agricultural sector in Osun State.

    In his speech, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Prof A.A. Amusan, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government for supporting unemployed graduates and for providing opportunities for them to create jobs and guarantee food security for the nation. He also urged participants to carefully optimise the gains of their training.

    Two of the participants, Adekunle Babatunde and Ajagun Jumoke, on behalf of others, expressed their readiness to make reasonable impact on the society.

    Prof. Duro Oyedele and Prof. Akeem Tijani were among the training facilitators at the programme.

  • Lions Club trains 100 youths in skills

    Lions Club trains 100 youths in skills

    No fewer than 100 youths have benefited from the skills acquisition programme organised by the Region 7, District 404B-2 Nigeria of Lions Club International Association in Lagos.

    The region comprises Lagos Integrity, Ikeja D’Ivy, Ifako Ijaiye, Ijoko Unique, Lagos Supreme and Ijoko Lions Club.

    The training was organised as part of Lions Club’s efforts to encourage youths to be usefully engaged in a bid to drastically reduce poverty and crime in the society.

    The event was held at Eko Junior College Agege. The youth were trained on arts and crafts, greeting cards designs, soap, beads, germicide and cream making.

    Certificate of participation was also given to the beneficiaries after the training.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy District Chief of Staff, Mr Christopher Olugbenga Akintola said the training was aimed at supporting the less-privileged who cannot afford to send their children/wards to vocational training centres, saying it would enable the youth to become self-reliant.

    He said Lions Club International is an organisation whose objective is to bring people together and pull resources for the purpose of helping the less-privileged in society.

    He further said the intervention strategy of Lions Club varies from helping people who are partially blind to regain their sight, protecting the environment; relieving hunger among the poor; educating the masses on diabetics and cancer, symptoms/detection, risk/effects and treatment options.

    Region 7, Zone B Chairperson, Mr Sunday Asiyanbi said the training was one of the pet projects of the Club in supporting and assisting members of the society to be responsive and contribute their own quota to national development.

    He expressed the hope that the programme would positively change the lives of the participants, adding that it would enable them to become self-reliant, help their families and assist them to be gainfully employed.

    Facilitator of the programme, Mrs Akintayo Adesola, praised Lions Club for the pet project. She said the programme would help in engaging youths in meaningful skills and reduce social vices among them.

    She urged the participants to develop themselves through the training for a better future.

    She appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to frequently organise such training for the youth, saying it would provide means of livelihood for them.

     

  • Motorists urged to install speed regulator

    Badagry Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Fatai Adesina Bakare has appealed to transport unions and vehicle owners to ensure speed limit device is installed in their vehicles.

    The Assistant Corps Commander spoke at a public enlightenment programme organised by FRSC for members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State. He said the device was introduced to stem the high rate of crashes on the road as a result of over-speeding.

    Bakare said speed limiter is one of the techniques adopted in other countries to reduce the high level of road crashes.

    He urged the group to monitor their members’ daily activities to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, adding that tyres and brakes, among other components of vehicles, must be frequently checked and serviced. He noted that no amount of money spent on maintenance of vehicles can be compared with human lives.

    Bakare said the Corps would always have zero-tolerance for the use of cell phones while driving, speed limit violation, dangerous overtaking, overloading, tyre violations, lane violations and other infractions that could endanger the lives of other road users.

    He urged motorists to report any FRSC official caught extorting money from road users, even as he stated that any officer caught extorting money from motorists would be dismissed.

    ANLCA’s Chairman, Alhaji Bisiriyu Laisi Fanu thanked FRSC for the enlightenment, saying their members would continue to obey traffic laws.

    Fanu appealed to the federal and state governments to repair roads across the country, adding that the highways are in bad shape.

  • Thrill as community honours gentleman officer

    Thrill as community honours gentleman officer

    Oyin-Akoko, a rustic community in Ondo State was agog penultimate Saturday as dignitaries across the country trooped in to celebrate the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports

    For several hours penultimate Saturday, dignitaries from far and near converged on Oyi Community in Ondo State to rejoice with the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC) Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade who was  honoured by his community. The honour was in recognition of his immense contributions to the development of the community. Members of the community described him as a benevolent, diligent and humble man; hence the  recognition.

    A thanksgiving service was held at St. John’s Anglican Church, after which a reception was held at the Comprehensive High School which was filled to its capacity.

    Among those who attended the civic reception to honour Alade were Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Chief Sunday Ehindero, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Odundun II, the Oloyin of Oyin-Akoko, Oba Lawrence Bamisile III and Vice-Chairman, Bi-Courtney, Kola Akingbami.

    Others included the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abba, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice-Marshal Ibrahim Yahaya, Maj.-Gen. SM Abraham and Rear Admiral MM Salami, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Minister for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff  (CDS) respectively.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III was represented by the Danmaliki of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife sent Oba Adekunle Adewale and Yemi Osintoku stood in for the Chairman, Sahara Group, Tope Shonubi.

    Aside honouring Alade, Oyin community used the opportunity to do a N500 million fundraising, which would be channelled towards providing social amenities for the people.

    According to Oyin community, the choice to recognise Rear Admiral Alade was borne out of the need to inspire youths and children to imbibe good virtues in them.

    In his welcome address, the chairman organising committee, Philip Alabi said the community was celebrating Alade for his hard work, diligence, obedience, endurance and excellent performance in his chosen career.

    He said: “There’s no gainsaying that he has excelled in his chosen career to the admiration of Oyin community because he rose through the ranks.

    We are also celebrating him for his contributions towards the development of our community. “Few years back, he called on Oyin-Akoko sons and daughters executive to source a place for the establishment of a computer training centre and Internet for the benefit of the youth.

    He ended up establishing it as St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Oyin so that school children can be computer literate like their peers in cities.

    “This has started yielding result because during the last Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination, a very high percentage was recorded.

    “Also, Rear Admiral Alade celebrated his mother’s 80th birthday last December and the proceed was used to rehabilitate the three primary schools in the community- St. John’s, Baptist and Ansar-U-Deen Primary Schools-to provide good learning environment for the children.

    “He participates in anything that would benefit the people and identifies with the people. He comes home to rest whenever he has the opportunity. He has been able to help many youths in their academic pursuit and assisted many to be employed.”

    Continuing, Alabi said the celebrator has set a classic example in hard work, humility and obedience for the youth.

    “The calibre of people present at the occasion signifies his virility, respect, openness and friendliness to both old and young. This is another quality worthy of emulation,” he said.

    Ehindero, who was chairman of the occasion, described Alade as a symbol of simplicity and an epitome of humility. He said a lot of those who came for the event were those who believed in Alade and saw the rare qualities in him.

    Lending his voice to the fund raising, Ehindero noted that there were a lot of challenges bedevilling Oyin community, which include no electricity, about 1,200 trainees at the Police Training School that need to be catered for and poor state of the community’s hospital.

    In his remark, Oba Bamisile urged the state government to show more interest in ensuring that the only federal road that passes through the community was free of all impediments.

    He said the community was in need of more transformers and potable water, noting that they do not believe in folding their arms and expecting the government to do everything.

    Bamisile also said they would upgrade libraries and science laboratories of schools, put facilities in place to prevent erosion and flooding, among others.

    The monarch appealed that the water reservoir project that was abandoned be revisited and that industries be located in the community to drive development.

    Appreciating the community and the guests for honouring him, Alade said he was happy he made a good career choice because it has taken him to various places and exposed him to different experiences.

    He said: “It is gladdening for one to be recognised by his people, as that is testimony that one has touched lives and commands respect of others. I am particularly delighted by this initiative of our royal father and the good people of Oyin and I am humbled as well.

    “This day is not just about Samuel Ilesanmi Alade as I am known, it is indeed about all of us here,  who have decided to come and partake in a noble cause that will forever remain indelible in the minds of the people of this community and for generations to come. It is about extending our hands of fellowship to uplift a community and provide succour to a people in dire need of some help. It is about putting smiles on the faces of many sons and daughters of this community who will always be grateful for our great sacrifices.

    “It is a fact that we, Nigerians, are truly our brother’s keepers. That has been our hallmark. Despite all the artificial barriers that a few people try to create to divide us, deep down, we have interest in ensuring that the less-endowed have a sense of belonging.

    “You all have heeded the clarion call to uplift my people, especially the youth, who remain our hope for a stronger Nigeria in the near future. If we do not invest in their future, we run the risk of mortgaging the future of this great nation going forward.”

  • New executive for Ekiti central mosque

    The Ansar -ud- deen Central Mosque, Odo Otu Ado-Ekiti has reconstituted new executive committee.

    The new executive would steer the ship of the mosque for the next three years.

    A statement signed by the public relations officer of the mosque Brother Bello Ahmed and made available to newsmen indicates that “the development came after the expiration of over two terms of six years in office of Alhaji Ademola Isiaq Belo-led committee.

    “The appointment of the new executive became effective from April 1, 2017. The officers elected to run the affairs of the mosque for the next three years are Hon Ahmed Oluwaseyi Shittu- Chairman, Alhaji Sakariyau Ajileye Lawal-Vice-Chairman, Alfa Fatai Adeyinka Okunade- Secretary, Alfa Adesola Oloro Akewusola – Treasurer , Alfa Gazali Korede-Financial Secretary.

    Others are Brother Bello Hameed- P.R.O, Engineer Wahab Olowo- Assistant Secretary 1, Alfa Mushafar  Quazeem-Assistant Secretary 2, with Alfas Rasheed Gidado and Sanni Osaka  as Auditors 1 and 2 respectively.

    The statement noted that Alhaji Ademola Isiaq Belo and Alfa Abdul Bakare Oladejo have ceased to be signatories to any of the bank accounts of the mosque, particularly those with Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Ado-Ekiti.

    The statement further explained that “the bank had been previously advised on the appropriate signatories who must be adopted and sustained henceforth”.

     

  • Visually-impaired needs N500,000 for business

    Visually-impaired needs N500,000 for business

    A 29-year-old, Chijioke Onyenwe, has called on well-meaning Nigerians and government at all levels to come to his aid to raise N500, 000 to start a business.

    Onyenwe, who hails from Imo State, lost his sight at the age of 23. He was said to have returned from a trip to Togo when he suddenly became blind.

    Speaking with our reporter, Onyenwe said: “I want to raise funds to start a restaurant business in Idimu area of Lagos State. I have already paid for a shop at Idimu Pipeline but I need N500, 000 to get chairs, tables, fridge, fan; power generating set, gas cooker, drinks and food items, among other things”.

    Onyenwe assured Nigerians that he is ‘able and not disabled’, and would be productive in the business.

    “The only challenge I have is vision; other parts of my body, including my brain, are functional. My wife-to-be’, Blessing and my younger siblings would assist me.

    “I cannot go begging on the streets like most blind people do. This is why I am begging my fellow humankind to help me have a means of livelihood to enable me take care of myself and my family. I want to be a responsible man to my wife and children, irrespective of the fact that I am blind,” he said.

    Onyenwe said the rent which he paid for the shop is already running, pleading to Nigerians not to let the shop he had rent to be a waste.

    “I pray that God will strengthen you all as you make my life useful,” he said.

    Onyenwe, sixth of eight children, said his siblings are all struggling to survive, adding that his mother is down with stroke and his father is late.

    He said he spent N700, 000 for eye surgery two years ago, noting that the surgery was not successful as he was told that he would not see again.

    For donations, payments can be made to: Account Name: Chijioke Anthony Onyenwe: Account Number, 0051243707 Diamond Bank. He can be contacted on 08148318987 or 08126469111.

  • ‘How I benefited from Lagos Employment Trust Fund’

    ‘How I benefited from Lagos Employment Trust Fund’

    Nuts about Cakes; a bakery located in Lekki Phase One was established in 2010 by Nike Majekodunmi, one of the first beneficiaries of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).  In this interview with WALE AJETUNMOBI, the CEO of the bakery, Majekodunmi speaks about the benefits derivable from the trust fund. Excerpt

    How did you discover LSETF?

    I discovered the LSETF through the newspapers. I knew about it when it was inaugurated by Governor Ambode.

    Was processing the loan application easy, fair or tough?

    The Loan application process was much smoother than you would expect.  In fact, a lot less was required than a bank would ask you to provide.

    When did you receive your funds?

    Two weeks after the interview, I received a confirmation via SMS that we had been approved for the loan.

    In what ways did your business change after receiving the loan?

    My business changed significantly after accessing the loan.  We were able to open an additional branch of our bakery.  This meant that we could render services to a whole new community with our products.

    In what ways will you ensure that growth of your business is sustained?

    Internal controls and proper audit are constantly carried out to ensure that we are able to get a return on the investment. And subsequently, use that return to further expand and open additional branches.

    How would you rate the performance of the LSETF set up by the Lagos State government?

    It is revolutionary.  It breaks a barrier that a lot of Small and Medium-Scale businesses encounter when starting, by providing the funds to enable them to be able to actualise a dream and create jobs for our unemployed youths in the process.

    Ordinarily, someone seeking a loan would have to go to a bank who will ask for land collateral that SMEs might not have. Or, they will be forced to take high percentage loans that will cripple the business.  The LSETF provides quick and affordable loans.

    As the business grows, how many people do you plan to employ?

    The funds we received helped to open a new branch located at Agungi, Lekki Expressway.  We have so far recruited a total of eight people as store assistants and bread and pastry bakers.

    Have you told anyone about LSETF?

    I have told several people about the LSETF who had not heard of it, while others thought it was not real.  With my example, they have followed up to make their applications.

    Do you have any recommendation(s) for the LSETF?

    It should make the fund available for more prospective entrepreneurs.