Lagos First Lady empowers 500 residents with vocational tools

By Adeola Ogunrinde

First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has empowered 500 vocational workers with essential tools to support their trades, as she seeks to curb the rising unemployment rate in the Centre of Excellence. The initiative, organized under the Office of the First Lady, was part of the Year 2024 “Community Sensitisation and Empowerment” programme held at Lagos House, Ikeja.

Now in its sixth edition since the inception of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in 2019, the empowerment scheme has continued to grow in scope and impact. Beneficiaries of this year’s edition include hairdressers, auto mechanics, shoemakers, caterers, carpenters, tilers, vulcanisers, makeup artists, tailors, barbers, and popcorn makers, among other skilled workers.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, the First Lady emphasized the significance of the empowerment tools not just as equipment, but as instruments of hope, independence, and economic transformation.

“As we present these tools, we are not merely handing over equipment,” she said. “We are delivering hope, dignity, and the instruments of independence. We believe true economic empowerment must be holistic—combining skill acquisition with access to tools.”

According to Dr. Sanwo-Olu, the 2024 edition is an improvement on previous ones, with more tools included based on feasibility studies and the assessed needs of communities across the state.

She encouraged beneficiaries to put the tools to good use, avoid selling them, and reinvest proceeds from their businesses into improving their lives and those of their families. The First Lady also assured participants that some of them would be engaged in future government programmes and events.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada, represented by Mrs. Toyin Salami, applauded the initiative, noting that it reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Lagosian has the opportunity to thrive.

“This intervention shows that the Sanwo-Olu administration believes in the potential of every Lagos resident,” she said. “It’s a step towards building a more inclusive and economically empowered society.”