The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has successfully wrapped up a four-week intensive vocational training programme aimed at uplifting vulnerable women and youth across the state. The initiative, which is part of the state’s wider poverty alleviation efforts, concluded on Monday, August 4, 2025, with a graduation ceremony at the Lagos Island Skills Acquisition Centre.
The Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, who presided over the closing event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic empowerment and community development. The training, held in collaboration with the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Lagos Island branch, targeted 250 beneficiaries, offering practical, marketable skills designed to promote self-reliance and financial independence.
Participants were trained in a variety of vocations including paint production, soap making, fabric stoning, catering, and event decoration. These trades, according to the Ministry, were carefully selected for their accessibility, low capital entry requirements, and relevance in local markets. The programme is part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty at the grassroots level, in line with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.
Addressing the graduands, Hon. Dada lauded Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for initiatives geared toward the upliftment of the less privileged. She emphasized the importance of continuous skill acquisition and entrepreneurship as vital tools in breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly for women and young people.
“This government understands that true empowerment goes beyond handouts. It is about creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. These training programmes are changing lives, restoring dignity, and enhancing the economic productivity of our communities,” she stated.
The Commissioner urged the newly certified participants to apply the knowledge they have gained to establish small-scale businesses, assuring them that the Ministry remains committed to supporting their growth. In line with that promise, starter packs and certificates were distributed to all successful participants to enable them to kickstart their enterprises without delay.
The ceremony, which showcased several products made by the trainees during the course of the programme, was well attended. Among the dignitaries present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo; Alhaji Ibrahim Sulaimon Ajao, Empowerment Secretary of the Ansarudeen Society; Alhaja Adeyemo Fatimat, Programme Coordinator; religious leaders, and other key community stakeholders.
The Lagos State Government has continued to roll out similar empowerment projects across the state, with previous sessions successfully conducted in areas such as Agbowa-Ikosi. These initiatives form a core part of WAPA’s mandate to provide social safety nets and promote inclusive growth for marginalized groups within the state.
As the Sanwo-Olu-led administration strengthens its focus on social welfare, WAPA’s consistent outreach reflects its dedication to building a more equitable Lagos where women and youth are not only equipped for today’s challenges but also prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities.
This recent training programme further cements Lagos State’s position as a proactive government in tackling unemployment and fostering self-reliant communities through practical skill-building and economic empowerment.
