Mrs Patience Bolanle Ambode, First Lady, Lagos State, Nigeria

By Olasunkanmi Akoni and Amarachi Chukwudi

The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, AWIEF, to facilitate the process of women having access to $300 million to boost their businesses.

Meantime, as part of on-going efforts to rid the state of all environmental nuisances, the Ministry of the Environment, through the Enforcement and Advocacy Department, yesterday, commenced the demolition of all illegal structures along Right of Ways, RoWs and set-backs around Magodo Area, Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area, LCDA. Over 1,500 illegal structures were removed in the process.

Unveiling the MoU, at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, explained that the $300 million is a women’s Economic Empowerment Fund set aside by African Development Bank for empowering African women.

Asade said, “The signing of partnership agreement is a milestone between Lagos State and AWIEF and all women in the state. This partnership is reaching a major step in line with Governor Ambode’ agenda for women in the state, towards their strategic economic empowerment.”

He assured that the state government would honour its own part of the agreement which is to disburse on time invoices presented by AWIEF based on mutually agreed budget.

Also speaking, the founder of AWIEF, Irene Ochem commended the state government for partnering with her organisation in empowering women.