The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that his administration will work to ensure that citizens of the state have access to finances to enable them to pursue their dreams, ideas, and innovations.
The governor stated this, according to a statement on Sunday, during the fourth anniversary of the Emerging Africa Campus in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, noted the efforts of the government to seek financial and economic independence for the people of the state.
He said, “This administration has created platforms such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and the Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council among others, through which it disburses millions of naira in grants, and soft loans to individuals, organisations, and companies that have innovative ideas geared towards providing solutions to the several challenges being encountered as a state and nation.
“We will also continue to promote an enabling business, economic and financial environment in Lagos because the state has the market and economic capacity, coupled with having the best brains, population, and most hardworking and enterprising individuals and organisations.”
In her address, the Chairman, Emerging Africa Group, and former Minister of Industry, Mrs Onikepo Akande, stated that the opening of the Emerging Campus will foster the mission of the organisation of filling the financial inclusion gap for African communities and companies by leveraging on talents, innovation, and collaboration.