The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth through entrepreneurship, as 150 young beneficiaries graduated from its Entrepreneurship Training for People in Blighted Areas programme, themed “Blight to Bright.”
EpeInsights learnt that the graduates, who completed intensive training sessions, received empowerment tools such as makeup kits, catering equipment, hairdressing sets, and barbing tools to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, said the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision to ensure no youth is left behind and no community is abandoned.
Ajigbotafe, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Aderonke Kudirat Bello, stressed that the programme was designed to equip participants with both practical skills and entrepreneurial mindsets.
“These skills are not just trades for survival; they are pathways to financial independence, avenues for self-expression, and springboards to entrepreneurship. Our goal is to raise a generation of young people who not only work with their hands but also think strategically, manage resources wisely, and thrive as business owners in today’s service-driven economy,” he said.
The Commissioner urged participants to embrace resilience and innovation as they return to their communities, adding:
“Your scissors, clippers, combs, and creativity are not just instruments of trade; they are weapons of transformation. From the alleys of blighted neighbourhoods, new lights will shine, and from places once marked by despair, we will now witness stories of dignity, enterprise, and creativity.”
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, described the programme as a milestone in building “an inclusive, empowered, and prosperous Lagos.” Represented also by Mrs. Bello, Olayinka highlighted the significance of the theme “Blight to Bright,” noting that it symbolises hope and transformation for disadvantaged communities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment, Comrade Tijani Oluwadare, advised the beneficiaries to view their graduation not as the end but as the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey.
“As these young entrepreneurs take their skills back to their communities, they will inspire peers and contribute to building a Lagos that works for all,” he said.
In the same vein, the Director of Entrepreneurship in the Ministry, Mrs. Taiwo Abiose, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritising job creation and youth-focused initiatives.
The Training Consultant from KOAS Consulting, Mrs. Tomisin Badewole, also lauded the programme, noting that beyond vocational training, participants were exposed to financial literacy and customer service modules. She said this holistic approach would give them a competitive edge in today’s business environment.
Badewole urged the graduates to remain focused and resilient as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys, adding that the initiative underscores government’s resolve to transform disadvantaged areas into thriving spaces of opportunity.
The “Blight to Bright” programme is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader strategy to tackle unemployment, foster inclusive growth, and unlock the entrepreneurial potential of youths across the state.
