WAPA GRADUATES NEW SET OF BENEFICIARIES FROM LIFE-SKILL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM IN LAGOS ISLAND (PHOTOS)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Monday graduated another batch of beneficiaries from its flagship Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), reaffirming the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusive economic growth.
The ceremony, held at the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centre in Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island, marked the conclusion of a four-week short-term intensive training designed to equip women and youth with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the graduation as “another milestone in the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to poverty alleviation and women empowerment.”
“This initiative is part of our Ministry’s strategic approach to improving the socio-economic status of women and vulnerable groups by equipping them with relevant skills for financial independence,” she said.
According to her, the participants, who were drawn from the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos branch, and surrounding communities, were trained in various vocations, including fabric stoning, event decoration, makeup and gele tying, paint and soap production, catering, and leather crafts.
Hon. Dada noted that WAPA’s programmes deliberately target a broad range of beneficiaries—faith-based communities, wives of military personnel, internally displaced persons, widows, persons with disabilities, and out-of-school youth—so that “every segment of society is carried along.”
She also announced that another graduation ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday in Agbado as part of the Ministry’s drive to deepen empowerment initiatives across all local governments.
Delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his “unflinching support and visionary leadership,” as well as to Hon. Bolaji Dada for her dedication to women’s development.
“To the graduates of today, I say congratulations. You have shown commitment, discipline, and eagerness to learn. I wish you all the best as you go out there and conquer the world,” Mrs. Onigbanjo added.
Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajao Saliman, representative of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos branch, described the programme as a “life-changing journey” that has given participants “renewed confidence, skill, and hope.”
“We promise to make good use of this opportunity for ourselves, our families, and our community,” he said.
The event was attended by community leaders, directors and staff of WAPA, facilitators, and family members of the graduating trainees.
The event also featured an exhibition of products made by the trainees.
WAPA’s Life Skills Economic Empowerment Programme is part of the THEMES+ Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods for Lagos residents.
Monday’s graduation follows a similar ceremony held last Friday in Agbowa, underscoring WAPA’s commitment to expanding economic opportunities for vulnerable groups across all divisions of the state.
Graduates of the programme received certificates of participation and were encouraged to apply their new skills toward personal growth and community development.
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