The Lagos State Government says no fewer than 35,000 residents have graduated from its tuition-free skills acquisition centres across the state, with thousands more benefiting from business support and social intervention programmes.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Mrs Cecilia Dada Bolaji, disclosed this on Tuesday during the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) programme held in Ikeja.

According to Bolaji, the beneficiaries completed their vocational training between January and July, while 18,990 of them received business start-up equipment through the MESI programme.

She also revealed that more than 1,100 residents acquired digital skills during the period, while 4,040 vulnerable families benefited from the Ounjẹ Lọ Rẹ Awo (Food and Nutrition Programme).

Bolaji described empowerment as going beyond the distribution of tools, noting that it involves creating opportunities, restoring dignity, nurturing aspirations and promoting sustainable prosperity.

She said the MESI initiative reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to converting promises into opportunities that promote economic self-reliance and prosperity.

The commissioner added that the ministry advances gender equality, social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic empowerment through strategic policies, partnerships and innovative programmes.

According to her, MESI complements the state’s tuition-free skills acquisition centres by providing business start-up equipment that enables beneficiaries to transform vocational training into sustainable livelihoods.

“As of 2026, over 35,101 residents have graduated from our tuition-free skills acquisition centres, while 18,990 beneficiaries have received business start-up equipment through MESI.

“Over 1,100 residents acquired digital skills, while 4,040 vulnerable families benefited from the Ounjẹ Lọ Rẹ Awo (Food and Nutrition Programme).

“The Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme impacted 18,241 residents, while over 5,500 widows received business grants,” she said.

Bolaji further stated that the ministry promotes menstrual hygiene through the annual distribution of sanitary towels and toiletries to schoolgirls and market women across the state.

She noted that intervention programmes have reached grassroots and riverine communities through skills acquisition, agricultural support, food assistance and other social welfare initiatives.

According to the commissioner, the ministry’s Avia Farm has provided training for farmers in cassava cultivation, oil palm production, organic vegetable farming and snail rearing.

She also said the ministry supports survivors of sexual and gender-based violence by providing counselling, shelter, legal assistance, rehabilitation, vocational training and enterprise support.

Bolaji added that partnerships with women-focused non-governmental organisations have expanded advocacy, community outreach, family support, skills development and economic empowerment across Lagos State.

She listed items distributed to beneficiaries to include sewing and stoning machines, cameras, tile cutters, pepper grinders, deep freezers, popcorn machines and vulcanising machines.

Other equipment distributed included pedicure kits, cake mixers, baking pans, weighing scales, hairdressing and barbing kits, gas burners and cooking pots.

She said agricultural equipment such as cassava graters, cassava pressers, fryers and dehydrators, alongside food items including rice, beans, garri and semovita, were also distributed to beneficiaries.

According to Bolaji, the equipment is expected to generate income, create employment opportunities, strengthen families and contribute to Lagos State’s economic growth.

She explained that the programme aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda by promoting social inclusion, economic development and good governance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that THEMES stands for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st-Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance.

Bolaji reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding entrepreneurship, skills development, financial independence and social protection across Lagos State.

She urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the equipment, establish thriving businesses, create employment opportunities, support their families and serve as ambassadors of the Lagos State Government.

Earlier, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, commended Bolaji and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for empowering residents through impactful programmes.

She praised the commissioner for consistently delivering the dividends of democracy through empowerment initiatives and encouraged beneficiaries to share the knowledge and skills acquired with others.

“As you benefit from this initiative, we hope that you will be a blessing to other people in your community. Whatever you have learned, you should also teach others.

“The more the ministry trains people, the more they move out of the poverty bracket,” she said.

Source: NAN (Nannews)