…Tasks them on enterprise development

…Dada, Onigbanjo urge grassroots utilization of tuition-free centers across IBILE divisions

THE Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to economic inclusion and human capital development as 6,190 trainees from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Free Skills Acquisition Centres officially passed out.

The graduation ceremony for the 2025 cohort, which held on Tuesday at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja, brought together state executives, legislative leaders, community stakeholders and families to celebrate the beneficiaries’ transition into self-reliance.

Delivering his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that technical and vocational training under his administration’s THEMES+ agenda is designed to move beyond mere certification to creating sustainable enterprise and wealth creation.

“Today, we celebrate 6,190 Lagosians who have acquired more than vocational skills, they have acquired the capacity to create value, earn a living, and build a future,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “Training alone is not enough. If you learn tailoring but have no sewing machine, or acquire baking skills without the equipment to start production, the journey remains incomplete.”

The Governor explained that the state has established a structured pipeline connecting skill acquisition directly with enterprise support.

He cited the recent 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), which empowered over 3,800 residents, including top-performing WAPA graduates, with functional tools, startup kits and industrial equipment.

He urged the newly trained artisans to deploy digital tools to expand their market reach, maintain professional integrity and mentor others within their local communities.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, stated that the tuition-free centres strategically serve the five IBILE divisions of the state, with particular focus on women, unemployed youths and residents in riverine communities.

“Our vision is to build a society where women, young people and vulnerable members of our communities have access to practical skills and support that enable them to become active contributors to the economy,” Dada said.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, commended the Governor for prioritizing grassroots empowerment. She also recognized the legislative support of the Chairman, House Committee on WAPA, Omolara Oyekan, and lauded the efforts of the Head of the Skills Acquisition Development Unit, Mrs. Olajumoke Yusuf, along with the instructional staff across the state’s centres.

Key Highlights of the WAPA Initiative are, tuition-free training across fashion design, catering, photography, beauty therapy, agricultural processing and technical crafts across the state. Direct integration of top-performing trainees into the state’s Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for equipment distribution. Strategic outreach targeting women, youth, and vulnerable groups across Lagos State’s 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.