Wife of Sanwo-Olu empowers 500 Lagosians with tools
L-R: Beneficiaries: Mr. Tajudeen Saheed (Vulcanizer); Mr. Oluwaseun Ayomide(Barber); Mr. Emmanuel Jawo (Mechanic); Perm. Secretary, Office of Chief of Staff, Mr. Semiu Kadri; Rep of First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hazmat; Beneficiaries: Ms. Durojaiye Deborah (Make-up artist); Mrs. Ayinke Gbolahan (Fashion Designer); Hajiya Abdullateef Aisha Oyinkansola (Shawarma maker); and Mr. Ojo Ayodele (Auto mobile Engr.), during the symbolic presentation of working tools to the Beneficiaries at the 6th edition of the Community Sensitization and Empowerment Programme, held at the Lagos House Ikeja, on Tuesday, 15th April, 2025.
Wife of Sanwo-Olu empowers 500 Lagosians with tools
Address surging unemployment in Lagos State, the wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has empowered 500 skilled residents with vocational tools to boost their trade and economic independence.
The initiative, part of the Y2024 Community Sensitisation and Empowerment Programme, took place at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Now in its sixth edition since 2019, the programme is a flagship effort of the Office of the First Lady, aimed at equipping Lagosians with the tools they need to thrive.
Beneficiaries of the latest edition include artisans across various sectors—hairdressers, auto-mechanics, shoemakers, caterers, carpenters, tilers, vulcanisers, make-up artists, tailors, barbers, and popcorn vendors, among others.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Dr. Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as more than just a distribution of equipment.
“As we present these tools that support trades such as hairdressing, catering, fashion design, barbing, tailoring, and other vocational skills, we are not merely handing over equipment. We are delivering hope, dignity, and the instruments of independence,” she said.
She added that the current edition was enhanced based on feasibility studies and real-time needs assessments.
“We believe that true economic empowerment must be holistic, combining both skill acquisition and access to the necessary tools. This is why we deliberately designed two different approaches, starting with financial education and now proceeding to the practical phase with tools that will help our beneficiaries build wealth, generate income, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of our beloved state.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also urged the recipients not to trade the tools, but to put them to productive use, not only for personal gain but to uplift others around them.
“To our beneficiaries, you are the heartbeat of this initiative. Your stories will validate our efforts. Your success will inspire others and your journey, from empowerment to enterprise, will reinforce what is possible when purpose is matched with opportunity.
“Please, do not trivialize this gesture. We count on you to help reduce unemployment by using these tools to uplift yourselves and, ultimately, impact others positively,” she urged.
She further encouraged beneficiaries with the assurance that some would be patronised for their services during future state events.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada—represented by Mrs. Toyin Salami—praised the First Lady’s consistency and vision.
“Government is committed to supporting initiatives like this in line with the THEMES+ agenda. This empowerment is a seed—so nurture it and let it grow,” she told the beneficiaries.
