Lagos State Government says since the inception of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, over 15,000 beneficiaries have received training in various skills, including makeup, catering, soap making, and event planning, with each beneficiary equipped with essential startup packs.
Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada stated this while addressing about 500 beneficiaries at the closing ceremony of the Lifeskills Economic Empowerment Programme, also known as the Short Term Skill Acquisition Training held recently at the Sanni Agbesinga Community in Alimosho and Parafa Alagemo Community in Ikorodu North.
Hon. 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”, Hon. Dada stated.
The WAPA Commissioner emphasised the importance of the practical application of the skills learned, which can significantly transform economic circumstances. She commended the participants for their dedication and resilience, encouraging them to leverage their new skills to foster community empowerment and inspire future generations.
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.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of the Women Department in WAPA, Olufunke Shyllon urged participants to treat the skills acquired as invaluable assets, reassuring that the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Team will ensure the empowerment packs are used to achieve the desired impact
Earlier, the Chairman of the Community Development Association, Ikorodu North Adeniran Ogunbawo and Secretary of the Community Development Association in Sanni Agbesinga, Olalekan Erinle described the training programme as transformative as participants were impacted to add value to local communities, improve economic growth and eradicate poverty at the grassroots.
