The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has emphasized that empowering small-scale businesses and rural dwellers is a more effective strategy for combating poverty than merely providing palliatives.
Speaking at an event in Ikorodu, Lagos, where 1,800 beneficiaries of the Caritas Nigeria empowerment intervention project received start-up kits, Martins underscored the importance of economic mobilization. The project, known as the “Building Sustainable Livelihood in Vibrant Community (B-SLiC) Project,” is supported by the Conrad Hilton Foundation and aims to provide vocational training in skills such as tailoring, soap making, electrical work, and phone repair.
Martins, represented by Rev. Fr. Bassey Okoro, highlighted that teaching individuals to create wealth and sustain trades is a better approach to eradicating poverty than short-term aid. He stressed the value of cultivating a work ethic and the benefits of long-term self-sufficiency.
The event included a showcase of the participants’ skills and cultural performances, demonstrating the impact of the training. Caritas Nigeria’s Programme Manager for the South-West, Akinyele Bankole, expressed optimism about the project’s outcomes and the potential for beneficiaries to positively impact their communities.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Abimbola Ogunsanya, a caterer trained in cake and confectionery making, shared her success story and gratitude for the opportunity provided by the project.