LASG concludes the grassroots empowerment programme in Agbowa-Ikosi
… As Commissioner Commends Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Efforts
The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Cecilia Bolaji Dada, has concluded another successful edition of the Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP) recently with a colourful closing ceremony held in Agbowa-Ikosi.
The four-week short-term training initiative was designed to empower vulnerable women and indigent youth across Lagos State with practical skills and economic opportunities. Participants received hands-on training in diverse vocations such as catering, hairdressing, fashion design, soap making, tie & dye, and other micro-enterprise trades.
In her keynote address, Hon. Bolaji Dada expressed gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots empowerment and poverty alleviation through sustainable, people-oriented programmes.
Today, we celebrate not only the end of a training cycle but the beginning of new possibilities for our latest beneficiaries from Ikosi Ejirin Centre, Owu-Ikosi, Ajeregun, Agbowa-Ikosi, Ado, Otta-Ikosi, Odo-Ayandelu, especially persons living with disabilities. Thanks to the generous support of Mr. Governor, over 250 participants here in Ikorodu will walk away with start-up packs to immediately begin their entrepreneurial journey,” she stated.
Hon. Dada emphasised that the LEEP initiative is part of a broader statewide effort to reduce unemployment, foster financial independence, and promote inclusive economic growth among women and youth.
Hon Bolaji Dada stated that, “In the past, we have taken this training to various locations across the IBILE division and we have trained residents in Parafa community, Ikorodu, Meiran community, Alimosho, Women Development Centre, Agege, Parents of out-of-school children at SUBEB, Ikeja and residents of Eti-Osa East, LCDA”.
The Honourable Commissioner also encouraged the graduating participants to remain focused, consistent, and to make good use of the skills and startup packs provided to them.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MWAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Funke Shyllon thanked the Governor for supporting women across Lagos State. She thanked the Honourable Commissioner for her tireless efforts and all Directors for their roles in ensuring the success of the Programme.
She added, “Economic empowerment remains one of the strongest pillars for poverty alleviation, and with continued support from the government, we are confident that lives and communities will be transformed.”
The event featured an exhibition of products made by the trainees, goodwill messages from community stakeholders, most especially HRM, Oba Obayomi Nelson Ogunlari, Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom; his Olori, Olori Sarah Ogunlari and Oba in Councils, the official presentation of certificates and starter packs to the beneficiaries.
The LEEP programme continues to serve as a beacon of hope for residents in underserved areas, aligning with the vision of Sanwo-Olu’s administration to build a more resilient and economically vibrant Lagos.
