LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Lagos State Government has commenced an intensive capacity-building programme aimed at upskilling instructors of the Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) centres across the state, in a bid to foster innovation, boost productivity, and improve service delivery to residents.
The initiative, launched this week, is part of the state government’s broader human capital development strategy under the THEMES Plus Agenda, focused on enhancing workforce competencies in public institutions to better meet the demands of a dynamic economy.
Addressing participants during the opening session, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, stated that the training is designed to equip instructors with contemporary teaching methodologies, entrepreneurial skills, and digital literacy to enhance the quality of vocational and life skills training offered at WAPA centres.
“Our goal is to ensure that instructors are not just teaching outdated methods, but are delivering value-driven, innovative, and industry-relevant training that empowers women and vulnerable groups to become self-reliant,” Dada said.
She stressed that the instructors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of thousands of Lagosians who rely on the free vocational training provided by the state. According to her, the capacity enhancement will translate into improved outcomes for beneficiaries across the 19 WAPA centres in Lagos.
The programme will cover areas such as modern instructional techniques, business development, ICT application in skills training, and mentorship, with facilitators drawn from reputable institutions and industry professionals.
Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity, describing the training as timely and transformative. One of the instructors, Mrs. Yetunde Olasoji, noted that the exposure to new teaching tools would enhance her impact in the classroom and help bridge skill gaps among trainees.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to empowering residents through targeted social intervention programmes and skills acquisition, especially among women, youths, and low-income earners. It also pledged to continually invest in the professional development of public service personnel to sustain excellence in governance and service delivery.