Lagos State Government has graduated 500 residents of Alimosho and Ikorodu in Live skills Economic Empowerment Programme.
This brings to 15,000 the number of beneficiaries that received training in various skill acquisition programmes since the inception of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
The programmes include makeup, catering, soap making, and event planning. Each beneficiary was equipped with essential startup packs.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, stated these while addressing beneficiaries at the closing of the programme, also known as the Short Term Skill Acquisition Training which held at the Sanni Agbesinga Community in Alimosho and Parafa Alagemo Community in Ikorodu North.
Mrs Dada, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Oluyemi Kalesanwo, explained that the programme also included training in entrepreneurial skills, health awareness, and environmental safety, ensuring a holistic approach to empowerment.
She noted that participants were informed about the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme and educated on essential health practices, reinforcing the importance of personal well-being in their entrepreneurial journeys.
“This event signifies not just the conclusion of a training programme but the dawn of new opportunities for all participants,” she said.
The WAPA Commissioner emphasised the importance of practical application of the skills learned, which can significantly transform economic circumstances.
She praised the participants for their dedication and resilience, encouraging them to leverage their new skills to foster community empowerment and inspire future generations.
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“Even in retirement, you can create a formidable force for positive change,” she affirmed.
She reassured participants of the government’s ongoing support, with plans for additional training programmes for women and youth across various communities in Lagos State.
The Commissioner also expressed profound gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to eradicating poverty and promoting financial independence among women in Lagos State.
Director of Women Department in WAPA, Olufunke Shyllon, urged participants to treat the skills acquired as invaluable assets, while assuring that the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Team will ensure the empowerment packs are used to achieve the desired impact
Earlier, Chairman Community Development Association, Ikorodu North Adeniran Ogunbawo and Secretary Community Development Association in Sanni Agbesinga, Olalekan Erinle, described the training programme as transformative as participants impacted to add value to local communities, improve economic growth and eradicate poverty at the grassroots.