Foundation empowers Lagos women with loans, health outreach  

A community development non-governmental organisation, Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, has conducted a community outreach, offering free medical checks and health sensitisation to women, as part of its efforts to improve the welfare of underserved groups. The outreach, held recently at Ikotun Market, was attended by traders who received basic healthcare services and guidance on […]

A community development non-governmental organisation, Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, has conducted a community outreach, offering free medical checks and health sensitisation to women, as part of its efforts to improve the welfare of underserved groups.

The outreach, held recently at Ikotun Market, was attended by traders who received basic healthcare services and guidance on healthy living.

The Chief Executive Officer, Helen Olaniyan, while speaking to newsmen, said the foundation’s mission was to support underserved communities and empower citizens, particularly those at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder, towards reducing poverty and inequality.

She also explained that the foundation targets women already engaged in small businesses, as well as young girls seeking to further their education or acquire vocational skills.

“The foundation provides small, collateral-free loans to enable women to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods. We try to finance women to enhance their businesses, and also help the girl-child who wants to further her education. We believe that when you empower a girl-child, you empower the nation,” she said.

“Over 100 women currently benefit from the initiative, with loan packages starting from N40,000,” she added, noting that the programme commenced about six months ago.

Olaniyan noted that the intervention had yielded positive results, with beneficiaries reporting growth in their businesses and improved living conditions.

She added that, beyond financial support, the foundation also provides basic healthcare services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, weight monitoring, and health awareness education.

“We are reaching out to them with health awareness, giving them advice on how to stay healthy, and also providing basic medical checks. We give out simple medications like paracetamol for their daily needs,” she said.

Olaniyan further stated that only registered members of the foundation could access its services, noting that participation had been encouraging across previous outreach programmes.

Beyond financial assistance, she said the organisation provides legal advisory services to members facing challenges, alongside educational support for their children.

“We also help their children who want to further their education or learn a trade. We support them and follow up to ensure they succeed,” she said.

On loan monitoring, Olaniyan explained that the foundation deploys credit officers who regularly engage beneficiaries, particularly market women, to ensure proper utilisation of funds.

“Our officers meet them regularly to see how the money is being used and to ensure it serves the purpose it was meant for. If there is a default, we give them time and try to understand the problem. We are not here to stress them but to help them find solutions, which may include adjusting or diversifying their businesses,” she added.

Medical personnel present at the outreach conducted blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, and provided health education, as well as referrals for cases requiring further attention.