By Linus Akomolafe
Artisans in Lagos have expressed relief over N30, 000 Federal Government COVID-19 intervention funds to 160 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), artisans and transport track workers.
The survival fund scheme facilitated by Member of House of Representatives for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Ganiyu Abiodun, is said to assist owners of small-scale businesses in the area.
Aregbesola Ismail who works with the lawmaker said, 160 names were drawn from artisan unions in the area
.When Ikejabird spoke to some officials representing the intervention fund committee, they revealed that a sum of N30, 000 would be paid into bank accounts of beneficiaries by the Bank of Industry.
Speaking with some beneficiaries, Shittu Gani who owns a barbing salon, stated that the funds would go a long way in boosting his business as absence of equipment have slowed down his business.
“One of my senior brothers told me a week ago about this fund. They asked me to send my details and told me that they have some money to give to me but I don’t know how much they want to give me. I have plans of using the money to process goods in my shop. I want to buy some instruments in my salon,” he said.
A hairdresser, Awawu Sanni said: “Although I have drier but attachment has been very expensive, which I would have to buy to boost my business. Before, the cost of a small attachment cost N700 but now it has increased to N1, 900 some sell for N2000.
A fashion designer, Mrs. Taiwo Abisalam said the money she required to improve her designing business is N150, 000 for a weeping machine as she would appreciate it if a greater percentage of the funds would cover the expense.
“Somebody told me that Mr. Gani is assisting people in their business that is why I came for him to help me so that I can buy the stoning machine and weeping machine which would cost N150, 000. This would improve my business because most of the clothes I saw now require weeping and stoning so that the beauty of the clothes can come out. They collected my account details and told me I will see the money today. But they didn’t tell me the amount,” she said.
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, has said the tracks of the MSME Survival Fund Scheme meant to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on businesses cannot be benefitted by all.
