A total of 3,262 persons have graduated from the Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centres.
Beneficiaries of this acquisition centres were trained in photography, cosmetology, wood work, fashion design, among others for a period ranging between six and 12 months.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, lauded the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) for the ‘laudable project’.
The governor said that “undoubtedly, this programme is very important to us as a state when white collar jobs have gone into extinction due to a downturn in the nation’s economy.
He added: “Skills acquisition is now an option, proffering a most effective and pragmatic approach directed at reducing poverty, even as it empowers women and youths to become economically independent and self-reliant. This administration believes that women are powerful agents of change in view of the massive roles they play as home builders.
“My office is not reneging on its commitment to continually invest in women empowerment, skill acquisition programmes, access to loans and the provision of working tools to enable our women, mothers and wives get a better life and become self-sufficient to contribute to the economic development of the state and the nation as a whole.
“I appeal to the graduands to utilise well the various vocations learnt. You must launch out immediately and get your own share of the market. Do not despise the days of little beginnings, and remember that together we will fulfill our dream of a Greater Lagos.”
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs. Cecilia Dada proclaimed the programme as a bridge between young school leavers, drop-outs and vulnerable persons who are not academically-inclined, or are unable to pursue their educational goals due to financial restrictions.
She added: “Of particular importance are those who have constituted themselves as security threats in the community. This has reinforced our decision to create additional skills acquisition centres across the five divisions in the state, thus increasing them from 17 to 19, with not less than 20 vocations taught free.”
