The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has reaffirmed commitment to financially empower women via various programmes.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, made this known at the Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP) closing ceremony in Agbowa/Ikosi.

About 250 women and youths were empowered with startup tools after completing WAPA’s four-week LEEP training in the area.

Participants acquired skills in paint making, tie and dye, make-up and gele, hairdressing, catering, stoning, pomade, insecticides, and other household product production.

Ms Dada described the programme as WAPA’s flagship initiative, designed to empower grassroots women across various local communities in Lagos State.

She said, “Today’s ceremony celebrates all who completed the impactful four-week training. You are now empowered to begin your journey to economic independence. We are proud to graduate beneficiaries from Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Imofa, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, Odo-Ayandelu and other communities. Our focus remains to equip our people, especially women, with income-generating skills that can lift their households out of poverty. This batch also included persons with disabilities, reinforcing WAPA’s inclusive empowerment vision where no one is left behind.”

The commissioner praised the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for promoting inclusive growth, gender equity and grassroots empowerment across the state.

She urged beneficiaries to make use of the tools received to improve their livelihood and support societal development.

The traditional ruler of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Abayomi Ogunlari, appreciated the state government and WAPA for the empowerment programme.

Mr Ogunlari encouraged WAPA to continue reaching out to the vulnerable and underprivileged within society.

 Also speaking, WAPA’s Permanent Secretary, Rainat Ajibike-Onigbanjo, encouraged beneficiaries to apply their new skills within their communities.

Ms Ajibike-Onigbanjo, represented by Funke Shyllon, said the ceremony marked renewed focus and partnerships for a more inclusive Lagos.

A beneficiary, Jelili Ayobola, said he mastered paint production during the training and gained valuable marketing and sourcing skills.

He said, “Within these four weeks, we were taught how to make different paints, source materials and market our products. I am deeply grateful to WAPA for this opportunity, and I will build on the skills I have gained.’’ 

Another participant, Ranti Oshinlaja, praised WAPA for the valuable training she received in the craft of tie and dye.

(NAN)