Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged graduates of the State’s Skills Acquisition Centres to embrace entrepreneurship and creativity, urging them to become job creators within their communities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the June and December 2024 sets of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA Skills Acquisition Centres, held at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex in Ikeja, the Governor commended the 5,309 graduating students for their resilience and determination to acquire vocational skills.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged the graduands to set fair pricing, innovate within their craft, and persevere through the early challenges of entrepreneurship, especially within the critical first five years. “This is your opportunity to begin your business journey. Embrace it with confidence and never relent in your path to success,” the Governor said.
Also speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the ceremony as more than a graduation, but a launchpad into new opportunities. “Each one of you represents hope, resilience, and transformation. Use your skills to create value, inspire others, and secure your financial independence,” she said.
The First Lady praised the WAPA initiative for equipping thousands of residents with practical, life-changing skills and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to empowering women, men, and youth through inclusive programmes.
In her address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, revealed that over 28,000 individuals have graduated from WAPA Skills Acquisition Centres since the start of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The 2024 batch was trained in diverse fields including welding, barbing, photography, aluminum fabrication, hairdressing, bead making, catering, makeup artistry, and carpentry.
She also spotlighted the Ministry’s flagship initiative, the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP)which delivers four-week intensive training sessions across various local government areas. Recent LEEP graduation ceremonies were held in Agbowa, Ejirin, Ado, and Lagos Island, with participants trained in barbing, gele tying, soap making, crafts, and leatherwork.
“Inclusivity is central to all our programmes,” the Commissioner added. “We ensure participation of people with disabilities and victims of gender-based violence, while providing all LEEP graduates with start-up kits to jump-start their businesses.”
Hon. Dada further noted that the upcoming MESI programme, scheduled for August 19, will empower 70% of its participants with business kits.
Expressing gratitude, the Commissioner acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering support, the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the efforts of ministry staff, principals, and instructors.
“This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to driving inclusive economic growth, community development, and poverty alleviation across Lagos State,” she concluded.