Lagos State Government has graduated over 500 beneficiaries of its Liveskills Economic Empowerment Programme, also known as the short-term skills acquisition training

This brings to 15,000 the number of beneficiaries that have received training in various skills, including make-up, catering, soap-making, and event planning, since the inception of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Each beneficiary was equipped with essential startup packs to facilitate their entrepreneurial journeys.

The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, while addressing beneficiaries at the closing of the programme held at the Sanni Agbesinga Community in Alimosho and Parafa Alagemo Community in Ikorodu North, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Oluyemi Kalesanwo, said that the programme also included training in entrepreneurial skills, health awareness, and environmental safety as well as ensuring a holistic approach to empowerment.

Besides, she said that participants were informed about the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme and educated on essential health practices, reinforcing the importance of personal well-being in their entrepreneurial journeys.

“This event signifies not just the conclusion of a training programme but the dawn of new opportunities for all participants,” she said. Dada, who, however, emphasised the importance of practical application of the skills learned, which can significantly transform economic circumstances, commended the participants for their dedication and resilience, encouraging them to leverage their new skills to foster community empowerment and inspire future generations.

“Even in retirement, you can create a formidable force for positive change,” she said. Also, Director of Women Department in the ministry, Olufunke Shyllon, who urged the participants to treat the skills acquired as invaluable assets, said that the ministry’s monitoring and evaluation team would ensure the empowerment packs are used to achieve the desired impact.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Community Development Association (CDA), Ikorodu North, Adeniran Ogunbawo and Secretary, Community Development Association in SanniAgbesinga, Olalekan Erinle, described the training programme as transformative, saying that the impacted participants will add value to local communities, improve economic growth and eradicate poverty at the grassroots.