By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Lagos State Government has empowered more than 500 youths, farmers and small business owners through a skills training and empowerment programme aimed at promoting self-reliance and creating economic opportunities across the state.
The initiative, implemented by the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), was held across the five divisions of Lagos State, with the final batch conducted at the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area Secretariat.
Government Targets Poverty Reduction
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, said the programme was part of the state government’s efforts to reduce poverty and equip residents with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Agbaje said more than 500 people had benefited directly and indirectly from the programme, which focused on equipping participants with skills that could support income generation and business development.
Participants received training in fish farming, bread and pastry production, honey harvesting and the production of household consumables.
They were also provided with empowerment tools to enable them to apply the skills acquired and establish or strengthen their businesses.
The Special Adviser urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the knowledge and tools provided and turn the opportunities into sustainable sources of income.
State Government Urges Beneficiaries to Maximise Opportunities
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, commended the state government for its continued investment in youth and rural development.
She urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by applying their newly acquired skills to build sustainable livelihoods and achieve greater financial independence.
Programme to Support Rural Economic Development
The Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Sulaimon Kazeem Olarewaju, said empowerment programmes of this nature could contribute to reducing rural-urban migration by creating opportunities for residents to earn a living within their communities.
Olarewaju noted that similar initiatives had helped previous beneficiaries establish sustainable livelihoods and contribute to economic development within their communities.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and equipment provided to build businesses and improve their economic circumstances.
CERUD Charges Beneficiaries on Effective Use of Tools
The Director and Chief Executive Officer of CERUD, Musibau Balogun, urged the participants to justify the investment made in the programme by putting the skills and empowerment tools to effective use.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed to their various areas of training and explore opportunities to grow their businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ajibola-Ogunde Anuoluwapo appreciated the Lagos State Government for providing practical training and empowerment tools to support participants’ livelihoods.
She said the initiative would help beneficiaries improve their economic prospects and pursue greater self-reliance.
The programme forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to strengthen rural development, equip residents with practical skills and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods across the state.
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