LAGOS RESTATES COMMITMENT TO HARNESS BENEFITS OF WORLD BANK $200M FUND

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has pledged the Sanwo-Olu Administration’s readiness to harness the benefits of the World Bank initiated intervention fund tagged ‘Agro-processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support’ (APPEALS) Project.

Speaking while welcoming the World Bank delegation led by the Leader of the Task Team, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, on an official visit to his office on Thursday, the Deputy Governor reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the project designed to benefit 300,000 youths and farmers is properly implemented.

The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Steering Committee for APPEALS, emphasized that the State Government would not allow bureaucracy to stifle the project, adding that quick action should be expected as the benefit is significant.

He explained APPEALS is line with the Federal Government’s plan to diversify Nigerian’s economy while assisting farmers through access to funding as well as women and youth.

In his remark, the Task Team Leader, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, disclosed that the APPEALS is a $200million intervention fund that targets agro-processing, productivity enhancement and livelihood improvement among youths, women and farmers.  

While pointing out that Lagos State has a unique advantage over others due to its location and market opportunities, the task team leader disclosed that some farmers, groups and communities have already been identified to benefit from the project which is already been implemented in six states across the federation.

Dr. Oredipe, therefore, commended and appreciated the State Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Governor for its commitment, dedication and steps taken so far to ensure that the project is successfully implemented in the state.