LAGOS TO ASSIST NAPEP WITH N100M

The Lagos State Government has said that it will assist the National Poverty Eradication Programme with N100m to revitalize small scale industries in the state.

According to a statement by the state NAPEP's Coordinator, Mr. Yakub Abiola-Aromasodu on Wednesday, the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola was quoted as saying that the fund was in recognition of the giant strides of NAPEP towards reducing poverty in the state.

The governor was said to have made the commitment when the state NAPEP paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

Fashola was quoted as having said that the fund was to for the financing of the MESSO Credit Scheme, a programme recently introduced by NAPEP.

Aromasodu expressed appreciation to the state government for the pledge and assured that the disbursement of the funds would commence immediately the fund was made available to NAPEP.

He said that the agency had already identified some moribund industries in the twenty local government areas of the state, adding that the funds would be disbursed to the industries to revitalise their businesses.

Aromasodu, said, 'The MESSO Credit Scheme is about giving loans to individuals that can in turn create employment for the people of Lagos State.

He said, 'We strongly believe that there is a need to create those can employ people and thereby reducing the chain of poverty.

'We have perfected plans to revitalize the industries in the state that are out of business due to lack of funds and the state government has promised to make the money available to us through the Ministry of Women Affairs.'

Aromasodu advised other corporate organizations and individuals to take emulate the state government's gestured, adding that the war against poverty should be a collaborative concern and efforts.