Lagos State government on Thursday disclosed that it has empowered over 5000 youths through vocational training.
In his address at the graduation ceremony of over 5,000 beneficiaries of the 2024 training cycle, held under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) held in Lagos, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu called on graduates of Lagos State’s Skills Acquisition Centres to embrace creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship as they begin their journeys into the business world.
The graduation ceremony culminated months of intensive vocational training in tailoring, catering, hairdressing, carpentry, bead making, tiling, paint production, and leather work.
Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged the graduates to apply their newly acquired skills to become job creators and economic drivers in their communities.
“You have been equipped with practical skills, tools that can transform your lives and your families. Take this opportunity seriously. Become creators of opportunities, not seekers,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of perseverance, particularly within the first five years of business, describing it as a critical period for entrepreneurial success.
In a goodwill message, the wife of the Lagos State governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu described the event as the start of new opportunities for the graduates.
“Each one of you graduating today stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of personal transformation. This is a reaffirmation of our belief that when we empower women, men, and young adults, we secure the future of Lagos State,” she said.
She commended the governor’s commitment to women’s empowerment and praised the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, for her leadership in driving the initiative.
In her remarks, Commissioner Dada revealed that over 34,000 individuals have benefited from training at WAPA centres across Lagos State since 2019.
She highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme, which also supports vulnerable groups, including persons living with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence, through initiatives like the Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).
“We are addressing poverty and building a stronger, more self-reliant society,” she stated.
