Lagos pledges continued empowerment programmes for youth, women
Lagos State Government on Tuesday graduated 3,262 students from its 19 skill acquisition centres, with a promise not to relent in women and youth empowerment programmes.
The state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the promise at the graduation ceremony of the year 2020 (Y2020) set, in Lagos.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that certificates and work tools were presented to the graduands during the ceremony which held at the Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Centre, Isheri.
NAN reports that the empowerment scheme is an initiative of Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
The governor said that the scheme would ensure financial independence to Lagos residents in line with his administration’s agenda of making Lagos a 21st century economy.
He said, “It is our belief that this mega empowerment programme will limit the impact of economic situations on Lagosians.”
The governor advised the graduands not to underrate themselves but to work hard to become the best in whatever they would do.
“l implore you to maximize this given opportunity and expand your horizons.
“Don’t cut corners or cheat people; be honest, resilient and committed in your dealings with people,” he advised.
Earlier in her address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Dada, said that the programme bridged the gap among young school leavers, school dropouts and vulnerable young men and women, who were not academically inclined nor able to pursue their educational goals due to poverty.
“Young people normally have restless and exuberant nature which are often embedded in frivolous activities,” the commissioner said.
She said that through its THEMES Agenda, the state government had been able to harness such restless energy and channel it toward productive enterprises of immense benefits.
She urged the graduands to seize the opportunity provided by the state government to be employers of labour, help their families and reduce poverty in communities.
“I urge the participants to become employers of labour and generate wealth for the benefit of their families as well as Lagos communities.
NAN reports that no fewer than 20 vocations are taught free of across five divisions of Lagos State, under the programme.
The skills include hairdressing and cosmetology, catering and hotel management, computer training, brick laying, textile designing, hat making, bead stringing and printing technology.
The others include shoe making and leatherworks, furniture and woodwork, welding, block/tile laying, aluminum fabrication, fashion design/dress making and photography. (NAN)
