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Lagos, NGO Raise Hope for Young Innovators
Omolabake Fasogbon
The Lagos State Government and a Non Governmental Organisation Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, have promised to support young innovators in the state.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State,Dr Idiat Adebule reiterated this at the Science, Art & Craft Exhibition and Talent Hunt put together for Lagos State students as part of activities to commemorate Lagos 50th anniversary.
According to her, the present government has through its wealth creation programmes in partnership with the Private sector and the Bank of Industry has concluded arrangement to set up the young talents to develop their inventions and produce them en-masse for the larger market.
On her part, Founder of Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, Dr Ama Onyerinma pointed out that in line with the objectives of the initiative to uphold civil liberties of women and children, thus securing their future by way of information, education and advocacy.
The organization, Onyerinma said is available to render needed support to ensure that children grow and thrive in their respective callings.
“It is in this light that we have consulted the Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture, to witness the event and see how they can develop the talent as well as sell them to the international market.”
Onyerinma stated that the overall motive of the talent hunt exercise would be weakened if there are no moves and plans for maintenance and sustainability.
“The Children have clearly demonstrated their ingenuities; it is left for the society to let it stay. We keep on buying foreign items yet we have talents at home who only needed to be encouraged and supported, and then we are there.
“While it is not enough to make this creative exercise a yearly or occasional activity, it is pertinent that there should be a platform where the children can practice , showcase and develop on a regular basis. Therefore, I want us as a city,state and country to raise support for these children”.
Impressed by the performance and inventions of the Children, Chairman of Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture, Polly Alakija, expressed optimism in the future of the country, however, sought for more exposure in the area of knowledge.
Some of the inventions on exhibition included helicopter, electronically powered food warmer, electronic voting machine, water purification plants, grain harvesters and blowers. Others were craft work on beads, sculpture, pottery, batik dresses and costume of varying designs.