Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged over 5,300 beneficiaries of the Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme to leverage their newly acquired competencies to build sustainable careers, stressing that while technical skills are vital for self-reliance, character is key to long-term entrepreneurial success.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 graduation ceremony held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Governor described the event not as a mere celebration, but a defining moment and a call to action.
“This graduation ceremony should not be about merrymaking,” Sanwo-Olu told the graduands, “It is a call to action for you to create the future you have dreamed for yourself. How far you go in this journey depends not just on your skills, but on the strength of your character.”
A total of 5,309 trainees completed courses at 19 Skill Acquisition Centres across Lagos, spanning all three senatorial districts.
They were trained in diverse vocations such as aluminium fabrication, welding, vulcanising, fashion design, carpentry, cosmetology, textile design, screen printing, Aso Oke weaving, shoemaking, and bag production.
The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), covered all training costs.
In addition, top-performing graduates received free start-up equipment to help them establish small-scale enterprises.
Since the inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration, over 40,000 Lagos residents have benefitted from the skill acquisition programme, designed to combat poverty and promote inclusive economic growth.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that each graduate now holds a Lagos State Competence Certificate—proof of their readiness to join the entrepreneurial landscape.
“People can complain about the government, but you have been given a rare opportunity—use it to better your life and those around you,” he said, adding that “Many global brands and automobile giants began from small workshops. What matters is your drive, your innovation, and your perseverance. Your journey starts today.”
He urged the graduands not to be discouraged by early challenges, describing the start-up phase of any business as difficult but necessary.
“Quitting would render the investment in you meaningless,” he warned, but said “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, noting that the event was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when people are equipped with the right skills.
“With the right skills, anyone can rise above limitations,” she said, stressing that “Empower a woman, a youth, or a man, and you’ve secured the future of society. To our graduands: take pride in your achievement. Step into the world with confidence, use your skills to create value, generate income, and inspire others.”
Commissioner for WAPA, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, praised the discipline shown by the trainees throughout the programme, revealing 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.
“It is about empowering every segment of society-women, youth, and the vulnerable, with tools to take charge of their future
