By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has stressed the need to diversify the informal sector as part of measures for creating employment-generating-opportunities in the economy.

Ashafa made the remarks yesterday during presentation of empowerment items to indigent persons in senatorial district.

According to the senator, the effort was aimed at providing job opportunities to the jobless, and by extension curbs the incessant crime rate in the country.

Recall that last week, the lawmaker empowered some neighbourhood youth leaders from Somolu and Kosofe Local Government Areas, where about 5000 youths benefited.

Speaking at the event, Ashafa said “The Level of unemployment in Nigeria is increasing on daily basis.

“It is high time we all contributed our own quota in order to ameliorate the poverty situation. At the heart of my empowerment scheme is the urgent need to diversify, strengthen and deepen the industry with the largest employment-generating-opportunities in our economy, the informal sector. The welfare of my people in Lagos East is paramount to me

“I will never stop doing things that will elevate them from the shackles of poverty, because without them I won’t be here today.”

According to one of the beneficiaries, Owolabi Abiodun, the initiative was a good one which would go a long way in ameliorating poverty situation in the community, saying “I have known a lot of politicians in this district but Ashafa is quite distinct from them all. I will surely make use of this sewing machines efficiently. I am very grateful for this gesture.”