No fewer than 504 women have been trained, with 88 outstanding graduates empowered with start-up equipment under the Women’s Vocational Training Programme facilitated by the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Engr. Gbolahan Olusegun Yishawu.
Yishawu disclosed this 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 major 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 noted that the programmes were designed to equip youths and women with practical skills to enable them become self-reliant and economically productive.
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, with 15 outstanding participants receiving start-up tools at the ceremony. The programme offers training in catering, hairdressing, knitting, fashion design and soap making.
Similarly, the Vocational Training Programme in collaboration 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 fields such as data analytics, graphic design, digital marketing, cybersecurity and UI/UX, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under the Digital Skills Training Programme to 280. Top-performing students were presented with laptops to support their career development.
Yishawu acknowledged the support of partners, including Seed Builders Innovation Hub and Sodbridge Academy, for their roles in delivering quality training.
The lawmaker also highlighted several Federal Government initiatives aimed at supporting graduates and small businesses, including 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.
Beyond skills acquisition, Yishawu listed other constituency interventions such as 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.
The 13th Free JAMB Form Distribution and the 11th Free Eye Care and Cataract Surgery Programme are currently ongoing and open to residents, with free eye healthcare services targeting 3,000 people and free cataract surgeries 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 leverage the tools and opportunities provided to build sustainable businesses and contribute to national development.
The ceremony attracted 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.
Speaking at the event, beneficiaries commended the lawmaker for his continuous support and pledged their backing in future elections. Party leaders also urged residents of Ikoyi-Obalende and its environs to vote en masse for Yishawu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the beneficiaries of GOY free JAMB, Usman Rita appreciated Yishawu, saying the initiative will help the less privileged and save the parents money.
