By Juliet Umeh

The Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro has empowered 64 semi-skilled artisans across Lagos with professional tools valued at N15 million, in a move aimed at boosting livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience within underserved communities.

The empowerment event, held recently in Ikoyi, formed part of the club’s Community Economic Development (Empowerment) Programme. It aligns with Rotary International’s global mission of supporting economic growth, advancing social stability, and promoting inclusive development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Immediate Past President of the club, Rotarian Gbolahan Adeyinka, said the project had been in the works since the 2024/2025 Rotary year but was expanded this year to accommodate more beneficiaries.

According to him, “This initiative is one of Rotary’s key areas of focus. We couldn’t execute it last year due to time constraints, but we’re glad to have scaled it up this time to reach more people.”

More than 100 residents applied for the programme, but 64 beneficiaries, including tailors, barbers, bakers, welders, shoemakers and hairdressers, were selected through what officials described as a transparent and needs-based process.

The club’s United President, Rotarian Alex Chukwu, said the decision to invest directly in people rather than host lectures was intentional.

“We decided to invest directly in people,” he said. “By equipping them with tools, we’re reducing poverty, taking idle hands off the streets, and creating a ripple effect in the community.”

Chukwu added that the club encouraged beneficiaries interested in professional advancement to join the Rotaract Club currently being chartered by Ikoyi Metro.

“Rotaract offers a platform for young professionals to grow. We want these artisans to see this empowerment as just the beginning,” he noted.

The event drew notable Rotary leaders, including the District Governor-Elect, Rotarian Layi Abidoye; the District Rotaract Representative, Atitebi Ismail Abiodun; and the Immediate Past DRR, Adekeye Fathia, among several club members and district officials.

Commending the club, Rotarian Abidoye described Ikoyi Metro as a model for impactful and audacious service.

“Ikoyi Metro has consistently been a shining example within Rotary,” he said. “Their projects are audacious and life-transforming, and this empowerment drive proves once again why they’re the pride of our district.”