Lagos: The Lagos State Government has announced that over 35,000 residents have graduated from its tuition-free skills acquisition centres across the state. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji, revealed this during the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) programme organised by her ministry in Ikeja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bolaji stated that the skills were acquired between January and July, and 18,990 beneficiaries received business start-up equipment through the MESI. Over 1,100 residents acquired digital skills, while 4,040 vulnerable families benefited from the Ounj? L? R? Awo (Food and Nutrition Programme).
Bolaji emphasized that empowerment involves creating opportunities and promoting sustainable prosperity. She highlighted the Lagos State Government’s dedication to translating promises into opportunities for economic self-reliance and prosperity through the MESI programme.
The commissioner noted that the ministry’s efforts focus on gender equality, social inclusion, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment by implementing strategic policies and partnerships. MESI complements the skills acquisition centres by providing start-up equipment to transform vocational training into sustainable livelihoods.
By 2026, over 35,101 residents had graduated from the tuition-free centres, while 18,990 beneficiaries received business start-up equipment. Additionally, the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme impacted 18,241 residents, and over 5,500 widows received business grants.
The ministry also promotes menstrual hygiene through the annual distribution of sanitary towels and toiletries to schoolgirls and market women. Intervention programmes extend to grassroots and riverine communities, offering skills acquisition, agricultural support, and food assistance.
Bolaji mentioned that the ministry’s Avia Farm trains farmers in various agricultural practices and supports survivors of sexual and gender-based violence with counselling, shelter, and vocational training. Partnerships with women-focused NGOs enhance advocacy and economic empowerment across Lagos State.
Beneficiaries received various equipment, including sewing machines, cameras, and agricultural tools, to generate income, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth. The programme aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda, promoting social inclusion, economic development, and good governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the THEMES Agenda focuses on Traffic Management, Health, Education, Economy, Entertainment, Tourism, Security, and Governance. Bolaji reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding entrepreneurship and skills development, urging beneficiaries to utilise the equipment to create jobs and support their families.
Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, the wife of Lagos State Governor, praised Bolaji and her ministry for empowering residents. She encouraged beneficiaries to pass on the knowledge and skills acquired through the programme to others in their communities, helping to move more people out of poverty.