A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Adebola Shabi (APC-Mainland ll) on Tuesday distributed Point of Sale (POS) machines to 30 members of his constituency to enable them grow their businesses.
Shabi ,distributing the items at his office in Yaba,Lagos, said the gesture aimed at boosting the economic status of beneficiaries.
He ,however ,advised beneficiaries not to sell the POS machines ,saying the machines were distributed to enable them create wealth for themselves, especially during yuletide.
Shabi, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, said selling the machines would be counter-productive as the purpose was to reduce poverty.
He said beneficiaries would be monitored to see the progress made and number of transactions carried out to ensure the objectives were met.
Shabi said: “These POS machines will ensure ease of doing business and boost the economic status of those beneficiaries in Lagos Mainland Constituency 2.
“However, If you know that you are not going to operate this POS by yourself, don’t take it. Some of you might be thinking that it is something that they will sell, I will come after you, if you sell it.
“Before you are handed over this POS, you must have been registered in the system and we will be tracking you. Our eyes are on you.
“So, if you don’t need it, don’t collect it because the problem we have in Nigeria is that things meant for certain people,the greedy ones will grab it” he said.
He said he would be giving out 30 POS on a quarterly basis , adding the target was to give out 120 machines by 2025.
Shabi said he was also empowering constituents with tools and start up capital of N100,000 ,to foster economic independence and drive sustainable development in the constituency.
The lawmaker said the initiative would impact mainly youths and widows and would reduce poverty in the constituency.
The lawmaker said the empowerment was to give back to his constituency and better their lot ,especially at yuletide.
Shabi said he was also giving out 5,000 bags of rice and live turkeys to constituents, including widows, the aged, youths, People Living With Disabilities(PLWDs)
The lawmaker said he had procured 200 solar lights,to be installed in 33 streets in the constituency.
A beneficiary, Mrs Dupe Rasheed, said the POS machines would enhance her transactions and help serve her customers better.
Rasheed thanked the lawmaker for empowering his constituents with the machine, adding that it would go a long way to eradicate poverty.
Another beneficiary ,Mrs Ada Chukwu, while thanking the lawmaker, said the machines would help improve her business.