Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, said the state had trained no fewer than 30,000 women and youths in its 19 skills acquisition centres across the state in five years.
Sanwo-Olu made this known at the graduation ceremony held for 5,309 students who graduated from the 2024/2025 session of its skills acquisition programmes under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty.
He said the state’s skills acquisition programmes were initiated to support young entrepreneurs with the needed skills and tools to start their businesses.
Sanwo-Olu identified entrepreneurship as one of the major means to tackle and alleviate poverty in society.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the students were trained in diverse skills such as vulcanising, welding and aluminium fabrication.
Others are carpentry, photography, barbing, catering, hairdressing, bead and hat making, hairdressing, gele tying and makeup artistry, among others.
They also received startup tools and certificates.
The governor said, “This graduation ceremony is a gathering of vision and immense potential for the graduates of our skill centres across the state.
“It also highlights our commitment as a government to engage our youths and, most especially, women, with skills to turn their lives around for good.
“Over 30,000 students have graduated in the last five to six years from the 19 skill acquisition centres across the state, and we remain committed to engaging more.”
On her part, Dada said, “Today, we are gathered to mark the graduation of 5,309 students from the 2024 session of our WAPA Skills Acquisition Centres.
“These individuals, through dedication, resilience, and hard work, have completed their training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to become job creators and employers of labour.”
The PUNCH reports that the wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who graced the event, also expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements.
She said, “It gives me immense joy to be here today to celebrate this special graduation ceremony for the students of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Skills Acquisition Centres.”
She encouraged the graduates to view themselves as “a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of personal transformation.”
“The skills you have acquired are the building blocks for entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.
“This achievement is proof that with the right tools, anyone can rise above limitations and become a positive force in their home, community, and society,” she added.
