By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some relief materials have been given to artisans under the aegis of the Lagos State Council for Tradesman and Artisans (LASCOTA).
The items were distributed by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment on Tuesday to support members of the group who were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the distribution of relief packages at the Lagos State Technical College, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, explained that the items were shared as a reflection of the goodwill of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu towards the informal sector.
She said the state government sees the informal sector as a very important sector of the economy and must be supported to actualise the agenda of the present administration.
“This is part of the many initiatives that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is extending to the informal sector because the group is vital in the drive to achieve the greater Lagos dream for everyone.
“Mr Governor is very particular about this sector. I can assure you that very soon, artisans will be able to benefit from the unconditional cash transfers being provided by the federal government, in collaboration with the state government, to vulnerable Lagosians,” the Commissioner said.
Business Post gathered that the items distributed comprise 8,000 packs of noodle and 4,000 sacks of staple food. According to Mrs Arobieke, who described the relief materials as an all-in-one package, each of the 4,000 LASG/CACOVID sacks distributed contains 5kgs of Sugar, 1kg of Salt, 10kgs of Rice, 5kgs of Garri and a carton of Pasta.
The President of LASCOTA, Mr Nurudeen Buhari, while responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State government, CACOVID, noting that it will go a long way in alleviating the effect of COVID-19 on beneficiaries in the State.
Meanwhile, the artisans have been advised to take advantage of the many initiatives provided to enhance their skills.
This advice was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Boladele Dapo-Thomas, who noted that doing this will also help to improve their lifestyles and economic development of Lagos.
