Over 5,300 Lagosians graduates from State’s skill acquisition programme

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

In a major boost to youth empowerment and grassroots development, more than 5,300 Lagosians have graduated from the Lagos State Government’s skill acquisition programme. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, aims to tackle unemployment and poverty by equipping residents with practical, income-generating skills.

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Graduates of the programme received training in a wide range of vocational fields including fashion design, welding, carpentry, cosmetology, and more. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the beneficiaries and emphasized that while skill is vital, success is ultimately sustained by discipline, perseverance, and integrity.

“This achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates,” the governor said. “They’ve put in the work, and now they’re equipped to take the next step toward independence. But skill alone is not enough. These qualities will shape how far they go and how well they sustain what they’ve built.”

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The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in initiatives that create opportunities for Lagosians to thrive, urging the graduates to use the tools they’ve acquired to build sustainable livelihoods. “Some will start small businesses, others will expand existing ones. Either way, each one now has the responsibility to create something meaningful for themselves and for society.”

The development has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many commending the initiative as a commendable step toward reducing unemployment and fostering entrepreneurship. Some praised the governor’s leadership and the vision behind the programme, calling it a model for other states to follow.

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However, a number of citizens raised important questions regarding the sustainability of the programme. Concerns were expressed about access to business startup loans for the graduates, clarity on how residents from outside Lagos or other localities can participate, and the need for transparency in the financial cost of the project.

Others used the opportunity to advocate for similar interventions in the agricultural sector, citing the country’s growing food crisis and the high cost of staple items. They called for the replication of such initiatives to empower local farmers, boost food production, and reduce market prices.

As Lagos continues to position itself as a hub for innovation and development, the success of this skill acquisition programme highlights the power of government-backed empowerment strategies. Whether through fashion, carpentry, or welding, thousands of Lagosians now have a chance to rewrite their stories and perhaps inspire many others to do the same.