EXPOSE, an International Non-Governmental Organistion (NGO ) has empowered 20 women in Makoko, Lagos State to start their own micro businesses. This initiative will not only improve the lives of these women but also contribute to nation’s development.
Speaking at the event which came under the theme,“ Empowered to earn: The power of micro enterprise’’, Founder EXPOSE, Monalisa Okojie described the empowerment programme as ideal, saying it equipped the participants with skills to grow their businesses.
Giving a brief background of her organisation’s journey to Makoko, she said: “We have been coming to this area for five years, we have children that we educate in the community and over 100 children we provide food supplies to every year.
“Along the line, we thought of empowering their parents starting from their mothers who are in to small scale businesses and those who are interested in starting small scale businesses.
“This would help them build their businesses so they can continue to support their children and families.’’
Speaking on, “The power of micro enterprise for economic freedom’’, the founder of EXPOSE affirmed that micro enterprise can significantly address economic challenges and promote sustainable growth and added that it would also empower individuals, especially women and promote financial independence.
Okojie encouraged beneficiaries to believe in themselves, saying engaging in small businesses can lead to job creation, financial independence, innovation and community development.
A representative of Sigma Paints, Oluwaseyi Ajayi who spoke on “Starting and sustaining a small business in today’s economy ‘’, defined small business as a privately owned enterprise with limited employees and revenue.
While stating that one can start small business with little or no capital, Ajayi stressed the need for the women to avoid errors that destroy businesses.
She advised women to prioritise honesty and truth worthiness in their businesses, saying it would help build a strong reputation and grow their businesses.
On her part, Precious Adeloye who spoke on, “Turning skills in to income: How to earn from what you already know” emphasised on identifying personal skills as a key to turning them in to income. This helps women leverage what they already known to become successful business women.
Also she encouraged them to build confidence and consistence in their small–scale businesses, saying it would help scale them up.
President, ECOWAS Federation of Business Women, (Nigeria chapter) Omotola Omole who talked about, “Financial basics for micro entrepreneurs’’, urged women who are in to small businesses to do the following; separate business money from personal money; ensure record keeping; save small amount, avoid loans / borrowings and to use profit for business growth.
On her part, Anehita Okojie who spoke on “Growing your small business through customer service and community trust’’, advised women entrepreneurs to leverage WhatsApp and Facebook to grow their businesses . She emphasised excellent customer service and building trust, saying it is a form of advertisement that works.
Highpoint of the event was distribution of food items, wears and other gifts items to all the attendees by the organisers of the event.
