WAPA empowers Eti-Osa women in skills acquisition

As part of efforts aimed at improving quality of lives of Nigerians, the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) recently empowered about 100 women at Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA) with skills and equipment for businesses.

Themed: ‘Life skills economic empowerment programme for residents of Eti-Osa East,’ the beneficiaries were trained in skills including, make-up and headgear tying, catering, throw pillows, fabric stoning and embellishment and soap making.

Each of the beneficiaries received a start-up pack with equipment that could enable them kick start their businesses from home.

Lagos State Commissioner, WAPA Bolaji Dada said the initiative was aimed at empowering women with entrepreneurship skills, and work tools to make them financially independent and self-reliant.

Represented by Director Women Department Olufunke Shyllon, Dada disclosed the training was the beginning of new opportunities and pathways toward a brighter future for the beneficiaries.

To her, “the skills and knowledge you have acquired are invaluable assets that can transform your economic circumstances. Remember, it is not merely about learning; it’s about applying what you’ve learned in practical ways that can lead to sustainable income generation and growth.You are pioneers, breaking the chains of poverty and laying the groundwork for future generations of women to thrive.”

Dada expressed happiness with the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his passion towards eradicating poverty in the state and making women financially independent.

In his speech, Chairman of Eti-Osa East LCDA, John Ogundare, revealed empowerment of the residents was a step in the process of urbanising the community.

Ogundare urged beneficiaries to leverage opportunities for a sustainable future.

The chairman also pledged to organise empowerment programmes, on a quarterly basis, insisting, “when an individual that stays in the community is happy, definitely the community will have peace.”

He further assured of beneficiaries’ business growth by placing orders for products, and also setting up schemes to access clients.

In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, Aisha Olayiwola, who learned how to make creams, lotions, liquid and bar soap, said the skills acquired would address financial issues when she resumes to school.

Another beneficiary, Juliana Eberechukwu, who learned make-up and headgear tying, acknowledged the organizers for their efforts, adding the equipment received would help scale up her business.