In a resounding testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Prince Adéníyì Olútìmehìn, President of the Greater Lagos Initiative (GLI), has extolled the administration’s relentless drive to create sustainable livelihoods for Lagosians through capacity building, empowerment, and skill development.

Speaking after the monumental graduation of over 5,300 beneficiaries from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s (WAPA) skill acquisition initiative, Olútìmehìn commended the Governor for his multi-pronged employment strategies that have continuously uplifted the socio-economic standing of residents. This latest milestone, he remarked, is not merely the culmination of training sessions but the birth of thousands of entrepreneurial journeys.

The graduates, now equipped with practical expertise in diverse trades from fashion design, welding, and carpentry to cosmetology, catering, and other vocational disciplines are poised to translate their acquired skills into sustainable enterprises. Olútìmehìn, however, underscored that technical competence alone is insufficient; qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and integrity will determine the longevity and impact of their ventures.

He acknowledged Mrs. Bolaji Dada Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for her leadership and paid glowing tribute to Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Jibike Onigbanjo, lauding her unwavering dedication and operational doggedness in pursuit of the ministry’s mandate.

Olútìmehìn further applauded the ministry’s track record under Sanwo-Olu’s administration, citing initiatives such as: Short-Term Skills Training Centres in all LGAs and LCDAs for grassroots empowerment. Specialised Women Empowerment Schemes for widows, single mothers, and vulnerable groups. Marketable Skills for Persons with Disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in economic participation. Business Support Programmes offering starter packs and micro-grants to enable immediate practice post-training. Digital Literacy and ICT Skills Programmes targeted at youth and women entrepreneurs.

“These achievements,” Olútìmehìn asserted, “are not isolated events but strategic building blocks in the Sanwo-Olu administration’s Greater Lagos agenda, creating a citizenry that is economically active, socially resilient, and future-ready.”