As part of efforts aimed at improving the quality of lives of entrepreneurs through economic empowerment and community development, six chapters of the Rotary Club in partnership with Grace and Mercy Households Improvement Initiative have provided interest-free loans to entrepreneurs in the Ikorodu Area of Lagos.
They include Rotary D9110 Ikorodu Metro, Ikoyi, Gbagada and Gbagada South, a club RC Cotonou Palmier from Cotonou, Benin Republic, and another club RC Kensington and Chelsea from the UK.
In his speech, the President Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metro (District 9110) Rtrn. Idris Ashamu noted that the programme has impacted the lives of many artisans and petty traders.
According to him, “For the past six years, the micro-credit scheme has been revolving and has lived up to expectations. We have been able to increase the money yearly.”
He further disclosed that a sum of N10.6 million was distributed to the entrepreneurs this year, compared to a few million distributed six years ago at the commencement of the scheme.
He insisted the government cannot do it alone but said they could embark on an empowerment project to reduce the sufferings of the masses.
Head of training, research and documentation, Grace and Mercy Households Improvement Initiative, Owolabi Seyi, noted that the organisation focuses only on providing small loans to economically active poor women who are deprived and vulnerable in society.
