EXPOSE, an international non-governmental organisation, has successfully empowered 20 women in Makoko, Lagos State with the skills and resources to start and grow their own micro-businesses. This initiative, themed “Empowered to Earn: The Power of Micro Enterprise,” is part of EXPOSE’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic independence and sustainable growth in underserved communities.
Speaking at the launch, Founder Monalisa Okojie highlighted the importance of empowering women as a catalyst for broader community development. “We have been working in Makoko for five years, supporting over 100 children with education and food annually. This initiative allows us to empower mothers and women who are already engaged in small-scale businesses, or who are interested in starting one. By equipping them with practical skills, we help them build sustainable livelihoods and support their families,” she said.
The empowerment programme included comprehensive workshops on business management, financial literacy, and customer engagement. Speakers shared practical advice on starting and sustaining small businesses, turning personal skills into income, maintaining financial discipline, and leveraging digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to grow businesses.
Experts at the programme emphasized key strategies for micro-entrepreneurs:
- Oluwaseyi Ajayi explained the fundamentals of small business and the importance of honesty, consistency, and proper record-keeping.
- Precious Adeloye guided participants on how to identify personal skills and turn them into profitable ventures.
- Omotola Omole provided practical financial management tips, including separating personal and business funds, saving, and reinvesting profits for growth.
- Anehita Okojie highlighted customer service and community trust as essential tools for business expansion.
The event concluded with the distribution of food items, clothing, and other gifts to all participants, reinforcing EXPOSE’s holistic approach to community development.
Monalisa Okojie shared the organisation’s vision for the future: “We have a five-year plan to double the number of beneficiaries each year. Starting with women, we aim to empower the entire community, equipping both women and men to engage in sustainable economic activities.”
Through initiatives like this, EXPOSE demonstrates that micro-enterprises are powerful tools for economic empowerment, financial independence, and community transformation. By nurturing entrepreneurial skills, the organisation is helping women in Makoko not only support their families but also contribute to the nation’s broader development goals.
