Lagos Empowers Over 250 Grassroots Entrepreneurs in Ikorodu Through Life Skills Programme

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has concluded another transformative phase of its Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP), advancing the state’s mission to drive inclusive economic development through vocational training and entrepreneurship.

Held in Agbowa-Ikosi, Ikorodu, the four-week intensive programme culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony on August 1, 2025, where over 250 beneficiaries—including women, youths, and persons living with disabilities—were celebrated and presented with business starter kits to kick off their entrepreneurial journeys.

Spearheaded by Honourable Commissioner Cecilia Bolaji Dada, LEEP offered hands-on training in high-demand skills such as catering, hairdressing, fashion design, soap making, tie & dye, and other small-scale enterprise crafts. The initiative, designed to provide not just knowledge but practical tools, reflects Lagos State’s dedication to empowering citizens through action-oriented solutions.

In her remarks, Commissioner Dada praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support of poverty reduction programmes, describing the ceremony not as an end, but a new beginning for hundreds of emerging entrepreneurs.

“Today, we’re not just closing a training session—we’re witnessing the launch of new businesses that will uplift homes and strengthen our communities,” she said.

She highlighted the deliberate inclusion of underserved areas like Ikosi Ejirin, Owu-Ikosi, and Agbowa-Ikosi, reinforcing the administration’s vision of leaving no one behind in its economic development agenda.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Funke Shyllon emphasized that small business empowerment remains a cornerstone of the state’s strategy to combat poverty and foster grassroots development. She urged beneficiaries to leverage their new skills and startup kits to build sustainable businesses that contribute to local economies.

An exhibition of trainee-produced goods was also held, offering guests a glimpse into the creativity and potential unlocked through the programme. Traditional ruler HRM Oba Obayomi Nelson Ogunlari, the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, delivered goodwill remarks, applauding the government’s efforts to uplift the grassroots economy through practical initiatives.

The event closed with the official presentation of certificates and startup kits, formally ushering the graduates into Lagos State’s growing network of self-reliant micro-entrepreneurs.

LEEP continues to be a key catalyst in Lagos State’s broader mission to build an inclusive, resilient, and self-sufficient economy, aligning with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming lives through skills and opportunity.