Inclusion
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos State Government on Thursday expressed commitment to financial literacy and inclusion as its Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) organised a workshop on financial literacy for women in Surulere.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the office organised the workshop in partnership with Paycom (Opay), Cowrywise, Lagos State Residents Registration Agency and National Identity Management Commission.
Dr Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya , the Special Adviser to the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs and Investment, said at the event that it was important to educate women on finance as a strategy to empower them.
“We are here as part of the human capital project to promote financial literacy and inclusion in hard-to-reach communities.
“What we have done is to ensure that these women have access to a lot of digital and financial services.
“We need to build something sustainable. Our able Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has mandated that no one should be left behind.
“That is why we have partnered with those who are in charge of finances; they will teach them how to grow, save and invest their money,” she said.
The official said that economic empowerment would enable women to do many things for themselves.
“We also brought Opay to help them to open bank accounts. They are giving on-the-spot ATM cards,” she said.
Mr Bamidele Yusuf, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, who was represented by Mr Shaka Oluwa, a counsellor-elect in Ward G2 in the council area, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative.
“This will help to educate our mothers, our sisters and women in general about finance.
” Most women don’t like to go out but this programme will help to get them enlightened.
“We want more of this programme to help members of our community to manage their funds,” he said.
A businesswoman and participant at the workshop, Mrs Ronke Agboola, said that she disliked going to banks but had been encouraged through the workshop.
“I don’t have time to go to the banks because of long queues,” she said.
Another participant, Mrs Amina Balogun thanked the workshop organisers for the opportunity.
”I have never had a bank account number. I am looking forward to having one,” she said
