LAGOS: WAPA GRADUATES TRAINEES FROM 4-WEEK EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, EQUIPS BENEFICIARIES WITH TOOLS (PHOTOS)

By: Sefiu Ajape

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Friday, held the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of its Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), marking the successful completion of a four-week intensive training.

The event, held at Owu-Ikosi town hall, Agbowa, attracted top government officials, community leaders, and traditional rulers, who gathered to celebrate the empowerment of women and youths from several Ikosi-Ejirin communities, including Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Imofa, Eyin-Ebun, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, and Odo-Ayandelu.

In her keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the ceremony as not just a milestone for the Ministry but a significant step forward for the beneficiaries.

“You have not just received knowledge; you have gained a lifelong asset, she said.

“Today, we are officially empowering you to begin your journey toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.”

The Commissioner noted that the LEEP initiative has reached deep into grassroots and riverine communities across all five IBILE divisions of Lagos, targeting not just women but also vulnerable groups, including the wives of security officers, internally displaced persons, people living with HIV/AIDS, and persons with disabilities.

“We have trained wives of police, navy, and army officers, faith-based communities, network of people living with HIV/AIDS, internally displaced persons in Igando IDP e.t.c.

“And today, we are proud to be graduating new sets of beneficiaries from the following communities at Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Imofa, Eyin-ebun, Agbowa-Ikosi, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, Odo-Ayandelu.”

She commended the commitment of facilitators and WAPA staff and paid tribute to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his continued support under the THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive economic development and gender equity.

“Today, as we empower you with tools and starter packs, remember that this is not the end, it is the beginning.

“A beginning filled with opportunity, dignity, and the responsibility to use what you have learned to change your story and uplift others,” the commissioner concluded.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Permanent Secretary of WAPA, emphasized the transformative impact of the programme.

“This ceremony is a testament to what can be achieved when purpose meets opportunity,” she said.

“With the right mindset and the skills you now possess, success is within reach.”

She extended gratitude to the Commissioner, Mrs. Olufunke Shyllon (Director of Women Affairs), the programme coordinators, and WAPA staff for their dedication.

She also congratulated the graduates, encouraging them to become ambassadors of empowerment in their communities.

On his part, the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, Oba Abayomi Ogunlari, lauded the Lagos State Government for remembering the rural communities.

“This programme shows that even those of us in remote areas are not forgotten,” the monarch said.

He also thanked the Honourable Commissioner and urged the beneficiaries not to waste the opportunity by abandoning or selling the tools given to them.

“Make good use of your starter packs,” he advised.

“Don’t keep them in the corner of your rooms—use them to better your lives.”

The four-week training covered a wide range of practical, income-generating skills, including tie and dye (adire), catering and confectioneries, soap, pomade, and insecticide production, makeup and gele tying, wig/hair making, and paint production.

In recognition of their successful completion of the intensive four-week training, all beneficiaries were formally presented with certificates of participation, symbolizing not only the skills they have acquired but also their readiness to contribute meaningfully to their communities through self-reliant, income-generating ventures.

Some of the newly graduated beneficiaries, who spoke with reporters, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and WAPA for the life-changing opportunity.

“This has given me a new beginning,” said one of the graduates.

“I now have a skill and the equipment to start something for myself and my family.”

WAPA officials confirmed that the beneficiaries will continue to receive post-training support, including mentorship, market linkages, and follow-up monitoring, to ensure sustainability and growth.

As Lagos continues its push toward grassroots empowerment, the LEEP initiative remains a beacon of hope for many across the state, demonstrating the power of inclusive development and capacity building.

See more photos from the event below: