The Lagos State Government has graduated over 500 participants from its Liveskills Economic Empowerment Programme, commonly referred to as the Short Term Skill Acquisition Training.
The event honored the accomplishments of beneficiaries from the Sanni Agbesinga Community in Alimosho and the Parafa Alagemo Community in Ikorodu North.
Since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took office, more than 15,000 individuals have undergone training in diverse skills such as makeup artistry, catering, soap-making, and event planning.
Each graduate received essential startup packs to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, highlighted the programme’s holistic approach, which encompassed training in entrepreneurial skills, health awareness, and environmental safety.
She was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oluyemi Kalesanwo.
“This event marks not only the completion of a training program but also the beginning of new opportunities for all participants,” she stated.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of applying the skills acquired to significantly improve participants’ economic situations.
She praised the dedication and resilience of the participants, encouraging them to leverage their new skills to empower their communities and inspire future generations.
“Even in retirement, you can be a powerful force for positive change,” she affirmed.
Dada assured participants of the government’s continued support and announced plans for further training programmes targeting women and youth across various communities in Lagos State.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast commitment to eradicating poverty and promoting financial independence among women.
In her vote of thanks, Olufunke Shyllon, Director of the Women’s Department in WAPA, urged participants to consider the skills they acquired as invaluable assets. She assured attendees that the Ministry’s Monitoring and Evaluation Team would ensure the effective use of the empowerment packs to achieve the intended impact.
Local leaders, including Adeniran Ogunbawo, Chairman of the Community Development Association in Ikorodu North, and Olalekan Erinle, Secretary of the Community Development Association in Sanni Agbesinga, described the training programme as transformative, highlighting its potential to uplift local communities, stimulate economic growth, and combat poverty at the grassroots level.
