The Lagos State Government has once again reinforced its commitment to grassroots empowerment with the graduation of a new batch of beneficiaries from the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme, LEEP in Ibeju-Lekki.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the ceremony as “yet another proof that the Lagos State Government is delivering on its promise to make empowerment accessible to every community, no matter the distance.”
Dada noted that the programme, which has recently been held in Lagos Island, Agbowa, and Alagbado, is transforming lives by equipping participants with practical skills for self-reliance, financial stability, and community development.
She recalled that only a week earlier, over 5,000 students from Skills Acquisition Centres across the state had graduated in a ceremony attended by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
The Commissioner highlighted that LEEP targets diverse groups, including women in faith-based organisations, widows, people living with HIV and AIDS, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASPODA), military and paramilitary spouses, internally displaced persons, and parents of out-of-school children.
“To our graduates, I say this, you are no longer just beneficiaries, you are builders, innovators, and role models for others to follow,” she urged.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, in her vote of thanks, commended the resilience of the graduands and the support of facilitators, community leaders, and WAPA directors.
She also lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and Commissioner Dada for her dedication.
“This programme is more than just training, it is about building capacity, restoring dignity, and creating pathways out of poverty,” Onigbanjo said.
The event concluded with celebrations marking the achievements of the new graduates, who are expected to establish small-scale enterprises and contribute to the economic growth of Lagos State.