THE Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with WEMA Bank, has empowered 1,425 residents with Point-of-Sales (POS) Machines as part of strategies to reduce the rate of unemployment in the State.
The gesture is part of measures towards eradicating the lingering unemployment crisis in the State through Wealth Creation and Employment initiatives for sustainable growth.
Speaking during the on-boarding of 1,425 recipients of the Point-of-sales (POS) Machines event recently at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Ikeja, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, disclosed that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is aware of the needs of Lagosians, especially the youth population.
Ajigbotafe maintained that the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment will continuously come up with useful creativity and more impactful programmes that will change the current narratives of joblessness and unemployment in the State. He said that it has become necessary to empower the people of Lagos State for financial sustainability to cushion the effect of the harsh economy.
The Commissioner further stated that the distribution of the free POS Machines was a collaboration of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment with WEMA Bank, adding that the implementation of these support systems would not have also been possible without the contributions and dedication of partners like WEMA Bank, who have been instrumental in the advancement of empowerment projects in the State.
He commended beneficiaries of the POS Machines, stressing that they had demonstrated resilience and determination in seeking avenues for the growth of their businesses, therefore, it is the responsibility of the State Government to support them in harnessing their potential fully.
In his words, “The distribution of these Point-of-Sales (POS) machines is not merely a gesture; it is an investment in your aspiration and a decision to empower you with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy”.
Ajigbotafe added that the provision of POS technology by the State Government represents a powerful enabler in the world of commerce to facilitate seamless transactions, enhancing customer conveniences and significantly reducing the risk associated with handling cash.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr Biodun Onayele, urged beneficiaries of the POS Machines to make good use of the empowerment tools given to them to improve their lives.
In his goodwill message, Mr Adewale Agboluade, a business support personnel and representative of Wema Bank, stated that the initiative is part of the financial institution's contributions to the residents of Lagos State to become self-independent financially.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Tosan Mabayaku, Head of the Corporate Affairs Commission, commended the Lagos State Government for the laudable initiative to impact the lives of the citizenry. She added that the partnership with the State Government on POS for residents will give operators a legal opportunity with business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the confidence to succeed in the business terrain.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Oseni Kabiru, appreciated the State Government and said that the empowerment of POS machines would go a long way to reduce the rate of unemployment in the State.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the POS machines to 1, 425 recipients by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe.
