LASG engages IDPs, asylum seekers in skills acquisition

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) says it has included internally displaced persons and asylum seekers in its short-term skills acquisition training.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said this on Monday at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of its four-week short-term training for women in Igando community in Lagos.

Dada, represented by Mrs Oluyemi Kalesanwo, said the programme, which started in 2019, was initiated by the state government to support indigent and vulnerable women across the state.

According to her, no fewer than 13,750 individuals have benefitted from the training since 2019.

She said: “The focus of this programme by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is to uplift the lives of indigent, vulnerable and internally displaced persons, as well as people with disabilities, across various communities.

“Others which we have had, have gone a long way in providing individuals with the necessary skills to improve their livelihoods and break free from the cycle of poverty.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to extend our support to internally displaced persons and asylum seekers from Congo and Sierra Leone, who have found a safe haven in Lagos.”

The commissioner commended the state government for its unwavering support to vulnerable women through various programmes.

She said the beneficiaries would receive free working tools to enable them kick-start their personal businesses with the skills acquired.

Mrs Thuytrang Aponbomgbon, a Cameroonian who was one of the beneficiaries, applauded the Lagos state government and the ministry for the privilege to be part of the training.

“I’m happy and thankful for the opportunity extended to us (foreigners) to be part of this training”.

Also, Abosede Joseph, a physically challenged person, commended the government for the initiative with the aim to improve the financial status of women.

“I’m delighted to be part of this four weeks programme and I want the government to sustain and extend the training to other people with disabilities,” she said.

According to reports, participants were engaged in tie and dye, catering and confectioneries, gele tying and make-up application, hairdressing and wig making.

Others included fabrics Stoning and embellishments, production of soap and pomade, healthy insecticide production, barbering techniques and others.

The participants were also presented with different working tools like makeup kits, cooking gas, clipper, sewing equipment, items for soap making among others.