The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), under the leadership of Honourable Commissioner Cecilia Bolaji Dada, has successfully concluded another phase of its Life Skill Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP)—an initiative aimed at equipping aspiring small business owners with vocational skills and entrepreneurial support.
The four-week intensive training, which ended with a colourful closing ceremony on August 1, 2025, in Agbowa-Ikosi, Ikorodu, trained over 250 women, youths, and persons living with disabilities in trades such as catering, hairdressing, fashion design, soap making, tie & dye, and other micro-enterprise crafts. The beneficiaries also received startup packs to immediately kick off their small businesses.
In her keynote speech, Hon. Bolaji Dada applauded Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support in promoting small-scale businesses and reducing poverty through practical, community-based initiatives.
"We are not just marking the end of a training session today, but celebrating the beginning of new business ventures that will uplift families and communities," she said, highlighting the inclusion of underserved areas such as Ikosi Ejirin, Owu-Ikosi, Agbowa-Ikosi, and others in the programme's beneficiary list.
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Hon. Dada emphasized that LEEP is a continuous intervention to drive self-employment and financial independence among Lagos residents, especially women and youths. She mentioned that similar training sessions have been held across the IBILE divisions, empowering residents in Ikorodu, Alimosho, Agege, Ikeja, and Eti-Osa.
She encouraged the graduates to remain committed to their craft, utilize their skills effectively, and grow their micro-enterprises into sustainable ventures.
Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, represented by Mrs. Funke Shyllon, reiterated the government's commitment to supporting small businesses as a key strategy for poverty reduction and economic growth.
The event showcased exhibitions of products made by the trainees, goodwill messages from community leaders, including HRM Oba Obayomi Nelson Ogunlari, Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom, and concluded with the presentation of certificates and business startup kits to the beneficiaries.
The LEEP programme continues to serve as a platform for nurturing local entrepreneurs, contributing to Governor Sanwo-Olu's vision of building a more inclusive and economically robust Lagos State.
