Succour as 160 Lagos artisans get Fed Govt’s COVID-19 relief fund

No fewer than 160 petty traders and artisans within Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II were yesterday morning verified for the collection of the N30,000 Federal Government’s COVID-19 intervention funds to boost their trades.

No fewer than 160 petty traders and artisans within Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II were yesterday morning verified for the collection of the N30,000 Federal Government’s COVID-19 intervention funds to boost their trades.

The fund, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), artisans and transport track workers intervention scheme was introduced last year by the government to cushion the effect of the pandemic on petty trades.

The Nation reports over 150 artisans comprising mechanics, fashion designers, beauticians, carpenters, petty traders, among others who converged at the office of federal lawmaker, Ganiyu Johnson, expressed relief that the funds would enable them get more wares or purchase vital equipment needed for their trades.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with reporters after the verification exercise, said their businesses have been badly affected by the pandemic and the economic downturn.

A beautician and single mother, Bola Ahmod, said the money when paid into her account by the Bank of Industry (BOI) would enable her buy more wares that she would sell in the coming yuletide season.

“I am a hairstylist and manicurist. I intend to use the money to buy dryer, attachments and weavons to add to my business. Attachment is now very expensive and it is a challenge for us because prices have doubled or even tripled,” she said.

An automechanic, Ganiu Moshood thanked the government and the lawmaker for remembering him, adding that he would use the money to buy spare parts like brake oil that he would sell to his clients.

Mrs. Kafayat Salako, a fashion designer, said she applied sometime last week when a friend told her about it, adding that she was pleasantly surprised when she received a message to come to the premises for verification.

“The fund will help my business grow by buying another machine and more materials for sowing. I requested for machine or money,” she said.

Similarly, a barber, Shittu Ganiu said: “They have done well to me today. I have registered. I will use the money to do many things in my shop like buying my barbing instruments. They have confirmed my name, account number and taken my picture. They said I should be expecting the money in my account.”

According to the Personal Assistance to the lawmaker, Aregbesola Ismail, the 160 names were provided by the leaders of various artisan groups in the constituency.

The Nation

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