The Lagos State Government has empowered 5,309 new entrepreneurs through its Skill Acquisition Programme, signaling a bold commitment to tackling unemployment and poverty through practical training and inclusive development.
At a colourful graduation ceremony held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressed the 2024/2025 batch of graduands, urging them to see the event not as a celebration alone, but as a call to action.
“Skills can make you self-reliant, but character will determine how far you go,” the Governor told the graduands. “You now carry the Lagos State Competence Certificate—use it to build the future you desire.”
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🔧 From Training to Transformation: Empowering 5,300+ Across Lagos
The graduates, trained across 19 Skill Acquisition Centres within the three senatorial districts of the state, completed intensive courses in:
Fashion designing
Aluminium fabrication
Textile and screen printing
Shoe and bag making
Cosmetology
Aso Oke weaving
Carpentry
Welding
Vulcanising, and more.
The training, fully funded by the state, was coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). Top-performing trainees also received free start-up equipment to enable them to hit the ground running.
Since the beginning of the Sanwo-Olu administration, over 40,000 beneficiaries have gone through the skill acquisition programme.
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🧭 Building the Future, Not Just Skills
While commending the trainees, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that entrepreneurship requires more than technical know-how:
“Big fashion brands and auto companies started small. What set them apart was vision, resilience, and values. You must persevere through the early struggles and build meaningful connections in the business world.”
He noted that while criticism of government is common, initiatives like this offer real opportunities that must be seized and expanded upon by citizens.
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👩🦰 Empowering Women and the Vulnerable
First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu praised the programme for unlocking opportunities for women, youth, and vulnerable groups, affirming that empowering individuals with practical skills is a sure path to prosperity.
“When women and youth are equipped with the right skills, they become unstoppable,” she said. “Use what you’ve learned to generate value, income, and community transformation.”
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♿ Inclusive, Impactful, and Ongoing
Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme, confirming that it also accommodated:
People living with disabilities
Survivors of gender-based violence
The economically disadvantaged
“Our commitment is to leave no one behind. This programme is proof that Lagos is building a society where everyone can succeed—regardless of background,” she said.
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🔍 Final Word
The Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme is not just a training scheme—it is a strategic investment in human capital. With thousands now equipped to launch their own ventures, Lagos is once again positioning itself as Nigeria’s engine of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The message from the governor was clear: Don’t wait for the future—build it.
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