The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA has celebrated the graduation of another set of beneficiaries from its flagship Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme, LEEP, further strengthening the state’s mission to combat poverty through grassroots skills development.
The graduation ceremony, held at Suberu Oje Central Hall, Alagbado, was a vibrant celebration of resilience and transformation, as dozens of women, youth, and vulnerable residents received certificates and start-up kits after completing weeks of intensive vocational training.
In her keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping citizens with practical, income-generating skills across Lagos.
“Today marks yet another milestone in our unwavering commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups with relevant entrepreneurial skills,” said Hon. Dada. “LEEP is not just a training programme. It is a life-changing intervention that fosters financial independence and reduces poverty at the grassroots.”
She highlighted the diversity of the programme’s beneficiaries, which includes widows, single mothers, indigent youth, persons living with disabilities, military spouses, retiring civil servants, and parents of out-of-school children.
The Honourable Commissioner also listed the vocational skills taught under the initiative, including catering, tailoring, gele artistry, Ankara crafts, household product manufacturing, event decoration, and fashion embellishment, among others. All graduates were presented with start-up kits to support immediate application of their new skills.
The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, in her vote of thanks, commended the dedication of the graduates, trainers, and facilitators, while paying glowing tribute to the leadership of Hon. Bolaji Dada.
“Today is a celebration of resilience, hard work, and the transformational power of skill acquisition,” Mrs. Onigbanjo said. “You have completed this journey with grace and determination, and we are confident that you will use these skills to create lasting impact in your communities.”
She also acknowledged the coordination and support of WAPA directors and programme facilitators, whose efforts helped deliver yet another successful training cycle.
As the Ministry prepares for the next graduation at its Ibeju-Lekki centre, the success of the Alagbado ceremony stands as a testament to the state’s ongoing investment in sustainable empowerment and inclusive economic growth.