Governor's Message to Graduates: Emphasizing Character and Opportunity
At the 2024/2025 graduation ceremony of the Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressed over 5,300 beneficiaries, urging them to use their newly gained skills to build sustainable careers. He emphasized that while technical abilities are essential for self-reliance, character plays a crucial role in long-term entrepreneurial success.
The event, held at De Blue Roof in Agidingbi, Ikeja, was not just a celebration but a defining moment and a call to action. The governor highlighted that this ceremony should not be about merrymaking, but rather an opportunity for graduates to shape their future. "How far you go in this journey depends not just on your skills, but on the strength of your character," he stated.
Diverse Training Opportunities
A total of 5,309 trainees completed courses at 19 Skill Acquisition Centres across Lagos, covering all three senatorial districts. The programme offered training in various vocations such as aluminium fabrication, welding, vulcanising, fashion design, carpentry, cosmetology, textile design, screen printing, Aso Oke weaving, shoemaking, and bag production. This wide range of skills ensures that graduates have multiple options to explore in the job market or start their own businesses.
The initiative, managed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), covered all training costs, making it accessible to a broad audience. Additionally, top-performing graduates received free start-up equipment to help them establish small-scale enterprises, further supporting their transition into the workforce.
Long-Term Impact of the Programme
Since the beginning of the Sanwo-Olu administration, over 40,000 Lagos residents have benefited from the skill acquisition programme. Designed to combat poverty and promote inclusive economic growth, the initiative has provided participants with the tools they need to improve their lives and contribute to the economy.
Each graduate now holds a Lagos State Competence Certificate, which serves as proof of their readiness to join the entrepreneurial landscape. The governor encouraged graduates to take full advantage of this rare opportunity, emphasizing that "Many global brands and automobile giants began from small workshops. What matters is your drive, your innovation, and your perseverance."
Encouragement and Resilience
Sanwo-Olu urged the graduands not to be discouraged by early challenges, noting that the start-up phase of any business can be difficult but necessary. "Quitting would render the investment in you meaningless," he warned, but added, "Build relationships, stay resilient, and let your work speak for you."
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of equipping individuals with the right skills. She noted that the event was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when people are given the tools to succeed. "With the right skills, anyone can rise above limitations," she said, adding that "Empower a woman, a youth, or a man, and you’ve secured the future of society."
Inclusivity and Social Responsibility
Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, praised the discipline shown by the trainees throughout the programme. She revealed that the initiative had been inclusive of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence. "The success of this programme reflects the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Government to inclusive development," Dada said.
She emphasized that the programme aims to empower every segment of society—women, youth, and the vulnerable—with tools to take charge of their future. "It is about creating opportunities for all," she added.
This graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for the participants, who now have the knowledge, skills, and support needed to build successful careers and contribute to the growth of Lagos. The message from the governor and other officials underscores the importance of resilience, determination, and community empowerment in achieving long-term success.