The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), says over 1,100 women and youths have benefited from its digital business skills and Android phone empowerment programme.

Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, made this known at the completion of a three-day Digital Business Skills and Android Empowerment Programme.

The empowerment programme was held at the Women Development Centre in Agege, Lagos.

“To date, over 1,100 Lagos residents have benefitted from this digital empowerment programme.

“It has become clear that traditional skills alone are no longer sufficient; businesses must now combine entrepreneurship with digital competence to remain competitive,” the commissioner said.

Ms Dada, in a statement on Friday, said the initiative reflected WAPA’s core mandate to uplift indigent and vulnerable residents of Lagos State, particularly women and youths, through practical skills and tools for sustainable livelihoods.

She said participants were trained in digital marketing, online visibility and customer engagement, and were supported with Android smartphones as business tools to upscale their businesses.

“WAPA deliberately expanded its empowerment approach to train women and youths as the business environment evolves, driven by technology, digital platforms and artificial intelligence.

“Through digital inclusion, we are strengthening grassroots businesses and expanding economic opportunities across the state,” she said.

The commissioner commended the Lagos State governor for his unflinching support for women’s empowerment and development.

She also urged the beneficiaries to use the skills and tools responsibly to upgrade their businesses.

(NAN)