The Lagos State Government has provided financial literacy training to 1,200 women from underserved communities, in a move aimed at tackling poverty and promoting inclusive growth in the state. This initiative is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), announced this on Friday during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, marking the second anniversary of Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Dr. Finnih disclosed that the state had identified 650 underserved communities with a combined population exceeding 800,000 across 20 local council areas. To support these areas, development centres have been set up in nine locations, providing ongoing support to residents.
She highlighted that the financial literacy training aligns with the state’s focus on 10 out of the 17 United Nations SDGs, including No Poverty, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption, Climate Action, Peace and Justice, and Partnerships for the Goals.
“Our objective is to achieve these goals before 2030 by improving the quality of life, especially for the most vulnerable segments of the population,” Dr. Finnih stated.
In addition to the training, the state government has also distributed over 4,000 sanitary pads to female students in public schools as part of efforts to address period poverty. Dr. Finnih urged private companies and NGOs to collaborate with the government to support menstrual hygiene and ensure that no girl misses school due to her period.
Regarding the 650 underserved communities, she explained that the government continues to work with international partners, enhance data evaluation frameworks, and promote evidence-based planning to achieve its development goals.
“Our goal is to make Lagos a model for sustainable development in Africa,” Dr. Finnih added.
