Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced that the skill acquisition program initiated by his administration graduated 5,512 participants, mainly women, from 19 skill centers across the state on Wednesday.
This program was designed as an intervention to help beneficiaries develop their crafts and achieve economic independence.
The program was supervised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), with training fees covered by the government, affirming the gender and inclusion policy outlined in the THEMES+ development agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
Speaking at the Year 2023 graduation ceremony held at the LTV Blue Roof in Agidingbi, where the Governor personally presented working tools to some of the trainees who excelled in their classes, Sanwo-Olu stated that the ceremony marked the beginning of socio-economic transformation in the lives of the graduates.
He noted that the enthusiasm displayed by the graduates indicated their dedication, confidence, and readiness to deploy their skills to accelerate economic growth in the state. He emphasized that the graduates are now part of a growing community of empowered individuals, ready to impact not only their own lives but also their communities.
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“A new journey has just begun in your life today with your graduation from our skill acquisition programs. You have worked hard, shown great resilience, and equipped yourselves with valuable skills that will form the foundation of your future success. You are now part of a growing community of empowered individuals, ready to impact not only your own lives but also your communities, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.
“As you celebrate this significant milestone, I want to stress the importance of skill acquisition in our collective efforts to reduce poverty and foster economic growth in Lagos.
“Our government understands that empowering women, young adults, and vulnerable groups is key to building a sustainable society. Through various programs from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we have focused on providing practical solutions that promote self-reliance and economic independence,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured attendees of his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where skilled individuals can thrive, emphasizing that his government’s dedication to empowering unskilled residents signifies the positive impact being made on the state’s economy.
The governor encouraged the graduates to innovate and inspire their peers, urging them to use their knowledge to create jobs. He also emphasized the importance of continuous learning, reminding them that education is a lifelong endeavor.
“As you enter society to practice your crafts, there is no greater encouragement than to say we are proud of what you will accomplish.
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“I advise you to keep seeking knowledge, collaborate with other great minds, and give back to your communities. Stay connected with your fellow graduates and leverage the networks you have built along the way,” the governor advised the trainees.
The State Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, stated that the Sanwo-Olu administration has trained and empowered residents in diverse vocations over the past five years, producing a total of 23,604 skilled professionals since 2019.
The commissioner noted that the skill acquisition programs have transformed the lives of the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the graduation of another set of graduates reflects Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a bright future for the residents.
“The Sanwo-Olu administration has further demonstrated its commitment to empowering and supporting citizens by approving and implementing life-changing programs that foster economic growth and personal development through essential life skills.
“The Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP) is a tailored initiative designed to encourage startups and enhance the financial independence of our residents. It consists of a four-week training program held across all the traditional divisions of the state,” Dada stated.
A business coach, Mr. Gbenga Ademujimi, provided the graduates with tips on how to market their crafts and profit from the skills they have acquired.
