By Lawani Mikairu

As part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, a non-governmental organisation, Jamajama, has empowered artisans and children in Makoko community, Sabo Yaba, Lagos State during the festive period.

The empowerment event which took place in the heart of Makoko saw artisans and children trooping out to collect starter packs, tools, school books, etc from the organiser of the event.

Speaking on behalf of Jamajama, Abiola Sadik ,said , “We tend to forget the children of the underprivileged in most slums communities . This Makoko community especially.

“But if you let them know that they can learn skills and get empowerment, you have uplifted them. Once you give a child a book and a tool, you have taken them out of poverty.

“We envision a Nigeria where every child and artisan in underserved communities have the opportunity to rise above poverty through education and skill-building .

“This December, as the year draws to a close, we are launching a special initiative focused on uplifting vulnerable children and artisans living in the poorest streets of Lagos.

“Across these neighbourhoods, countless children face daily challenges—lacking access to basic learning materials like books, food, clean water, and essential supplies.

“Meanwhile, artisans, whose talents contribute significantly to our economy, struggle without the right tools and resources needed to improve their craft and livelihoods.

“Our initiative seeks to change this narrative.

By providing children with educational materials, nutritious food, clean water, and essentials like noodles, Jamajama aims to nourish both their bodies and minds.

“But formal education isn’t enough. We’re committed to teaching children valuable skills alongside their academics—skills that will prepare them to build brighter futures. At the same time, we want to empower artisans with the tools and support that unlock their full potential, enabling them to sustain their businesses and uplift their families.

“The impact of this empowerment goes beyond the individual—it strengthens entire communities and builds a foundation for a new African order of growth and self-reliance. When children learn skills early, they gain confidence and independence. When artisans thrive, local economies flourish, creating jobs and inspiring innovation.”

Most of the beneficiaries of the starter packs and books who spoke at the event expressed joy and gratitude to Jamajama for making them realise their dreams of starting their small-scale businesses .

A beneficiary who simply identify himself as Abulaziz said the empowerment event is first of its kind.

” This is the first time an organisation is coming to this community to give us free tools to start our trade and also give our children books and free food .

” God will bless the organisers of this event and continue to financially empower them to sustain this laudable initiative “.

There was music and dancing at the event in the spirit of current festivities.