The Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investment, in partnership with BeyondPerception.io, a digital company, has commenced free digital transformation training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos State.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, said over 10,000 MSMEs are currently undergoing the training, informing that the MSMEs will be trained by industry specialists on core subjects such as Branding, Content Marketing, Storytelling, Brand Sustainability and Continuity, as well as Marketing in the ever dynamic digital world.
“At a time where a pandemic has created several limitations, digital mediums provide several opportunities to businesses. Leveraging on these channels from a knowledgeable standpoint would help businesses achieve their desired targets”, Hammond said.
She explained that the training is designed to further enrich SMEs operations in Lagos State, which according to her, will improve their sustainability, create value for their brands and allow them to compete on the global level.
Hammond said, “With its wealth of data and insight into consumer behaviour as a 360 digital agency, Beyondperception.io will provide MSMEs with proven strategies that will help meet their business targets in spite of the effect of the pandemic”.
She revealed that the training partners for the programme include the Alibaba Foundation, SME 100 Africa, Susan Croft and PATRICIA, among others.
While calling on business owners to endeavour to explore the full training package, the Special Adviser reiterated the government’s desire to expose business owners, particularly young entrepreneurs, to contemporary business ideas and create an affectionate atmosphere for their growth and sustainability.
Speaking to the media on the initiative, the CEO of Beyondperception.io, Mr. Charles Edosomwan, revealed that the growth of SMEs is critical to the development of the nation’s economy as it contributes 48% of the national GDP which is much higher than the contribution of oil revenue which stands at 11%.
“SMEs also account for 96% of businesses and 84% of employment in Nigeria. With adequate support, these businesses could drive the nation into a more secure economic position”, he stated.
The CEO submitted that the training will give 1000 businesses access to free digital assets such as, Web Design, Mobile App Development, Consulting and Marketing support.
Meanwhile , the Lagos State Government has assured residents of good and quality healthcare under its Health Scheme as part of its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policy for the citizenry.
The General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who disclosed this today, added that the State Government is committed to ensuring that treatment received from health facilities, either public or private, under the Lagos State Health Scheme (LSHS) will be of high quality with a minimal waiting period.
She also stated that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMA) and Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) have requirements and mechanisms for making sure that health facilities provide quality healthcare services for enrollees and residents.
Zamba reiterated that with N8,500 per annum, individuals will have access to care in any hospital of their choice under the LSHS, while a family of six comprising of the father, mother and four children below 18 years will pay N40,000 per annum.
Explaining that families with more children will be required to pay N6,000 per annum for an additional child below 18 years in order to access care from the Scheme, Dr. Zamba appealed to residents not yet enrolled on the Scheme to do so immediately, in order to enjoy the inherent benefits in the Scheme.
According to her, the benefits include the treatment of common ailments such as malaria, diarrhoea, childhood sickness, care of women, pregnancy and childbirth, diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Other additional benefits include drug prescription and provision, family planning services, laboratory test, ultrasound care, hospital care and admission for a total of 15 days per annum among others.
She, therefore, urged all residents to enrol in the Scheme by visiting the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) website – www.lagosstate. gov .ng or lashma.com or the Agency’s Office at Alausa, Ikeja, adding that the LASHMA also has registration points and enrollment officers spread across the various Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State.
