The Lagos State Government has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 6,190 residents from its 2025 Skills Acquisition Programme, aimed at empowering individuals with vocational and entrepreneurial skills. The ceremony took place on Tuesday at the De Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, where the graduates, consisting of 4,225 females and 1,963 males, were urged to leverage their new skills for economic betterment.

Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted the administration's commitment to enhancing the skills of residents to boost household incomes and foster economic participation. She emphasized that the government's investment in skills development is designed to empower individuals to create opportunities for themselves and contribute positively to the state's economy.

The governor reiterated the importance of the Free Skills Acquisition Centres, which provide residents with access to vocational training at no cost. These centres aim to facilitate pathways for graduates to establish businesses, secure employment, and improve their overall livelihoods. Sanwo-Olu encouraged the graduates to continue honing their skills, embrace innovation, and understand customer needs to maximize the opportunities available to them.

In addition to the skills training, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has initiated the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), which assists beneficiaries in transitioning from training to entrepreneurship. More than 3,800 residents have benefited from this initiative in 2026, receiving essential equipment and business start-up support, including outstanding graduates from the Skills Acquisition Centres.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the programme as a vital part of the ministry's efforts to promote economic independence and combat poverty. She noted that WAPA operates 19 Skills Acquisition Centres across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, alongside the Women Development Centre in Agege, bringing the total to 20 training locations. The centres offer tuition-free vocational training in various fields, equipping participants with practical skills that can be transformed into viable businesses and careers.

Dada also mentioned that the ministry's initiatives extend to grassroots, rural, and riverine communities, ensuring broader access to economic empowerment opportunities.

During the ceremony, motivational speaker Mrs. Ariori Rachael Eyitayo encouraged the graduates to transition from "Learning to Earning," emphasizing that the true value of their training will be reflected in the quality of services they provide and the value they create for customers.

Several graduates shared their success stories, expressing gratitude for the training they received. Notable graduates included Sinjeganji Prisca, who trained in Hair Dressing and Cosmetology; Okon Essien Babatunde, a Woodwork and Furniture Making graduate; Azeez Mariam, who specialized in Catering and Hotel Management; and Omotosho Fathia, a Fashion Designing and Dress Making graduate.

The event culminated in the presentation of equipment to the best graduating students from each Skills Acquisition Centre, aimed at helping them put their skills into practice and take steps toward establishing or expanding their businesses.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its commitment to sustaining the programme. She congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to utilize their newly acquired skills productively while continuing to pursue personal development.