The lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu, has empowered 504 women, with 88 outstanding graduates receiving start-up equipment under the Women’s Vocational Training Programme.
Yishawu made this known during the 6th Annual Human Capital Development Skills Graduation Ceremony and Start-Up Support Programme held at the Y-Arena Multipurpose Centre, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.
The event celebrated beneficiaries of three key initiatives: the Women’s Vocational Training Programme; the Vocational Training Programme organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA); and the Digital Skills Training Programme.
In his address, Yishawu reaffirmed his commitment to human capital development, describing leadership as service to the people. He said the programmes were created to equip youths and women with practical skills that would help them become self-reliant and economically productive.
“Leadership is about service. These programmes are designed to give our people practical skills so they can stand on their own and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Under the Women’s Vocational Training Programme, implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, 74 women graduated from the December 2025 cohort. Out of them, 15 outstanding participants received start-up tools at the ceremony. The training covered catering, hairdressing, knitting, fashion design and soap making.
Similarly, the Vocational Training Programme organised with WAPA has trained over 2,500 beneficiaries in photography, barbing, screen printing, welding, catering, computing, fashion design and adult literacy. More than 300 participants have received start-up tools and equipment support, with another set of outstanding graduates empowered at the event.
In the digital category, 84 youths graduated in areas such as data analytics, graphic design, digital marketing, cybersecurity and UI/UX. This brings the total number of beneficiaries under the Digital Skills Training Programme to 280. Top-performing students were presented with laptops to support their career growth.
Yishawu acknowledged the support of partners, including Seed Builders Innovation Hub and Sodbridge Academy, for their roles in delivering quality training to participants.
He also highlighted several Federal Government initiatives aimed at supporting graduates and small businesses. These include the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme (3MTT), NELFUND, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), SMEDAN, the Bank of Industry (BOI) and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank. According to him, these programmes provide access to funding, certification and business support for entrepreneurs and digital professionals.
“Our youths and entrepreneurs must take advantage of these Federal Government opportunities. They are designed to provide funding, certification and business support that can help them grow,” he stated.
Beyond skills acquisition, the lawmaker listed other constituency interventions. These include the GOY Artisan Trade Enhancement Programme, which has empowered over 400 artisans; the GOY JAMB and Admission Support Initiative, which has distributed more than 12,000 forms; and the GOY Youth Entrepreneur Programme, which has supported over 1,000 youths.
He added that free school buses, eye and dental care services, borehole installations, sports initiatives and anti-drug advocacy campaigns have also been implemented across the constituency.
Yishawu further disclosed that the 13th Free JAMB Form Distribution and the 11th Free Eye Care and Cataract Surgery Programme are currently ongoing and open to residents. He noted that the free eye healthcare services are targeting 3,000 people, while free cataract surgeries are planned for 20 constituents.
Congratulating the graduands, Yishawu urged them to remain disciplined, consistent and focused as they begin new chapters in their lives. He encouraged them to use the tools and opportunities provided to build sustainable businesses and contribute to national development.
Beneficiaries who spoke at the event commended the lawmaker for his continuous support and pledged their backing in future elections. Party leaders also called on residents of Ikoyi-Obalende and surrounding areas to vote en masse for Yishawu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A representative of the Lagos ministry also graced the occasion, alongside party leaders, community stakeholders, youths, women groups and members of the press, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen human capital development in Eti-Osa Constituency II.
