The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has successfully concluded another impactful edition of its Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), with a colourful closing ceremony held in Agbowa-Ikosi on Friday.
EpeInsights gathered that the four-week intensive training, which targeted vulnerable women and indigent youth, equipped over 250 participants with practical vocational skills in areas such as catering, fashion design, hairdressing, soap making, tie & dye and other small-scale trades.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce poverty and unemployment at the grassroots.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Honourable Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of inclusive economic programmes aimed at uplifting the underserved.
“Today, we celebrate not just the end of a training cycle, but the start of new journeys for our beneficiaries from communities like Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Agbowa-Ikosi, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, and Odo-Ayandelu including persons living with disabilities,” Hon. Dada said.
“Thanks to Mr. Governor, these 250 individuals will go home with startup packs and the confidence to begin their entrepreneurial journey.”
Hon. Dada highlighted that LEEP is a statewide intervention that has already empowered residents in communities such as Parafa (Ikorodu), Meiran (Alimosho), the Women Development Centre (Agege), parents of out-of-school children (SUBEB, Ikeja), and Eti-Osa East LCDA.
She urged the new graduates to remain committed to building sustainable livelihoods with their acquired skills.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Funke Shyllon, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its continuous investment in women and youth empowerment.
“Economic empowerment remains a powerful tool for poverty alleviation,” she stated.
“With ongoing government support, we can be assured of lasting transformation in lives and communities.”
The event also featured an exhibition of products made by the trainees, cultural displays and goodwill messages from key community leaders, including HRM Oba Obayomi Nelson Ogunlari, the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, his wife Olori Sarah Ogunlari and the Oba-in-Council. Certificates and business startup kits were officially presented to all graduating participants.
The LEEP programme continues to stand as a cornerstone of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s A Greater Lagos Rising agenda, promoting financial independence and resilience among the state’s most vulnerable populations.
