The Lagos State Government has celebrated the graduation of 6,190 residents trained under the 2025 Skills Acquisition Programme of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), with a charge to the beneficiaries to convert their newly acquired skills into sustainable sources of income.

The graduates, comprising 4,225 females and 1,963 males, were celebrated at a graduation ceremony held at the De Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the graduation reflected the administration’s determination to equip residents with practical skills capable of improving household incomes and strengthening economic participation.

He noted that the State Government’s investment in skills development was aimed at giving residents the capacity to create opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

According to the Governor, the Free Skills Acquisition Centres provide residents with access to vocational and entrepreneurial training at no cost, creating pathways for them to establish businesses, secure employment and improve their livelihoods.

He urged the graduates to continue developing their skills, embrace innovation and technology, understand the needs of their customers and make effective use of opportunities available to them.

The Governor also highlighted the Ministry’s Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) as another intervention designed to support the transition from training to enterprise. Through the 2026 edition of MESI, over 3,800 Lagos residents received productive equipment and business start-up support, including some outstanding graduates of the Skills Acquisition Centres.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada, described the Skills Acquisition Programme as a major component of the Ministry’s efforts to promote economic independence and alleviate poverty among residents.

She stated that WAPA operates 19 Skills Acquisition Centres across the five IBILE Divisions of Lagos State, complemented by the Women Development Centre in Agege, bringing the total number of training locations to 20.

The Commissioner explained that the centres provide tuition-free vocational and entrepreneurial training in various areas, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills that can be developed into viable businesses and careers.

Dada added that the Ministry’s skills development interventions also extend to grassroots, rural and riverine communities, ensuring that residents across the State have access to opportunities for economic empowerment.

Delivering a motivational session, Ariori Rachael Eyitayo challenged the graduates to move from “Learning to Earning”, stressing that the value of their training would ultimately be demonstrated by what they create, the services they provide and the value they bring to their customers.

She encouraged them to continue learning and improving their crafts, while emphasising the importance of quality, discipline, customer relations and understanding the market in building successful businesses.

The impact of the programme was reflected in the experiences shared by some of the graduates.

Sinjeganji Prisca, trained in Hair Dressing and Cosmetology; Okon Essien Babatunde, a graduate of Woodwork and Furniture Making; Azeez Mariam, trained in Catering and Hotel Management and Omotosho Fathia, a Fashion Designing and Dress Making graduate, expressed appreciation for the training and support received, describing the programme as an opportunity to advance their respective careers.

The practical impact of the programme was further demonstrated through the presentation of equipment to the best graduating students from each of the Skills Acquisition Centres.

The support is intended to enable the outstanding beneficiaries to put their acquired skills into practice and take the next step towards establishing or expanding their businesses.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rianat Onigbanjo, appreciated the Lagos State Government for sustaining the programme and commended the Directors, instructors, parents and guardians for their contributions.

She congratulated the 6,190 graduates and urged them to put their skills to productive use and continue to improve themselves.