Socio-Economic Devt: Lagos SDGs earmarks N255M grants to MSMEs, NGOs

 




Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments has  plans to unveil a programme tagged Lagos SDGs Grant Competition for Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to facilitate impact projects.


And part of its plan is a Franchising for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with access to affordable financial and institutional support that are needed to create wealth and employment opportunities.


This was disclosed a media parley on Wednesday at the State House, Ikeja, to unveil the Lagos SDGs Grant Competition for NGOs, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on SDGs and Investments, Mrs. Solape Hammond, said the latest initiative tagged "the Lagos SDGs Grant Competition" was conceived "as part of the strategy to mobilise collective action to advance progress on the SDGs through social, economic, and environmental initiatives that are positive, transformative, collaborative, and scalable."


"The challenge is seeking projects that offer smarter, faster ways to make real progress on the 17 Goals and transform our society to be more resilient. 



"This grant competition is open to Civil Society Organisations, Social Impact Ventures and Non-Governmental Organisations within Lagos state," she said.


She disclosed the programme will accommodate the sum of N5 million each to three winning ideas that targets each of the SDGs. 


"In total, the grant seeks to fund 51 projects addressing SDG targets (three projects per SDG) across Lagos state," she disclosed.


According to her, the competition will enable the State Government to create a broader-based collaboration with the CSOs, NGOs and social entrepreneurs who are already implementing solutions to achieve the SDGs.


On the criteria of selection, she said: "Applicants who must have successfully pass eligibility screenings will be required to submit one project idea that addresses one of the 17 Global SDGs. The project must reflect a specific KPI, and an estimate of total people that will be impacted by the project.


"Submitted projects will be reviewed by a project selection committee who will grant interviews to the most promising applicants.


"There are two categories of stakeholders responsible for supervising the competition. The Technical Committee for general supervision and the Project Selection Committee which comprises at least a representative of Development Partner, Private Sector, MDA and the Office of SDGs and Investment." 



According to her, the Project selection committee will choose 51 winning projects that will be eligible for grant prizes of ₦5,000,000 per project and the proposed duration of the competition is three months.


The process, she said, is automated to ensure transparency and increase the chances of selecting winning ideas, stating "applicants are expected to apply on the Lagos State Volunteer Corp website (www.lsvc.ng) to enter the competition." 


On the Franchising For MSMEs initiative, she said the Office is making necessary plan to partner with Franchiser and Distributor Forum for the launch of a franchise system for MSMEs operating within the State.


The programme, according to her, will be targeting MSMEs in products manufacturing, services, food and drinks, health and wellness and other personal care services, investors/commercial banks, cooperative societies, media as well as other MSMEs and individuals within the value chains.


The pilot scheme, she said, is designed to offer 200 MSMEs to the franchise business system by providing digital infrastructure for all Lagos based franchises available for investment, including periodic financing forum for both franchisors and franchisees.


The Special Adviser said a new initiative tagged Surprised Mentorship Rounds, is part of the annual Lagos Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Week programme aimed towards facilitating a remarkable and surprise encounter between young people in Lagos State and some notable and inspiring personalities in the society whose accomplishments and experiences can shape positive perspectives about life and reignite hope for the younger generation.


On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs and Investments, Mr. Olalekan Fatodu, said the Office has commenced plans to hold its "Sustainability Christmas" programme set for December, which according to him, accommodates the significance of the need to support charity and care.

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