Folashade Ambrose, the Lagos state commissioner for commerce, cooperatives, trade, and investment, on Thursday, unveiled a private initiative to tackle unemployment, health challenges, and other issues in her constituency.

Ambrose said at the inauguration of the community outreach in Lagos Island that the initiative, tagged: ‘My Health, My Prosperity’ (Igbega Ilera, Igbega Oro Aje) Outreach, aligned with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Development Agenda.

She said that the agenda focused on enhancing healthcare, empowerment and promoting social inclusion to ensure that Lagos remained a 21st-century economy where no one was left behind.

The commissioner said that it was important to tackle health challenges, close the skills gap, promote preventive care, and foster entrepreneurship among the residents of the area.

“Today’s initiative is a testament to my unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of our people by addressing two critical pillars of development: access to healthcare and skills acquisition.

“As the saying goes, “Health is wealth” (Ilera loogun oro).

“Lagos Island, as the heart of Lagos State, occupies a central role in our collective efforts to transform lives and create opportunities.

“It is here that local vendors, from food sellers to medicine providers and event managers, thrive, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our community in Isale Eko,” she said.

Mrs Ambrose said that the community outreach reflected the determination to tackle some societal issues through improved collaboration between the organised private sector and the government at all levels.

Apart from the medical outreach, skill acquisition opportunity, and economic empowerment, the programme also included the distribution of food to indigents.

She said that the skill acquisition and training programme targeted those interested in tailoring, beauty services, and digital skills, among others.

The commissioner said that the initiative served as a bridge between people and the state’s established skill acquisition centres, which offered comprehensive training in tailoring and fashion design, catering, IT, photography, hairdressing, and many more.

She said that the initiative was a way to give back to her constituents, as it complemented various efforts of the state government.

Tajudeen Olusi, the chairman, Governing Advisory Council of Lagos, acknowledged the commissioner as a bonafide daughter of Lagos Island.

Mr Olusi, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended Mrs Ambrose for bringing such an initiative to the people of her constituency.

(NAN)