Over 500 residents of Erikorodo Ward E2, Ikorodu North LCDA have completed skills acquisition programme organised under the SPEED UP LAGOS Anti-Poverty Squad Street-to-Street Training Programme, in collaboration with Hon. Benson Titilayo Abosede, Councillor representing Ward E2 Erikorodo and Leader of the Legislative Council, Ikorodu North LCDA.

The graduation ceremony, taking place at Aladiye Town Hall, Maya, brings together beneficiaries who received training in Gele & Make-up, AI Graphics Design, Catering and Tailoring, with participants set to receive certificates and starter support.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Abosede congratulated the beneficiaries for completing the training and acknowledged the contributions of those who supported the initiative.

She noted that the programme was introduced to give residents practical skills capable of helping them earn a living, establish small businesses and become more economically independent.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to immediately put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, stressing that the value of the training would be measured by how effectively the skills are converted into productive ventures.

The convener also urged residents to maintain their support for the APC, drawing attention to some initiatives of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the NELFUND student loan scheme, ₦70,000 national minimum wage, CNG programme, infrastructure development and economic and tax reforms.

She subsequently appealed to the gathering to support Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for Governor, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru for Senator, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson for the House of Representatives and Hon. Gafaar Oluwatoyin Bolowotan for the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu Constituency I, as well as other APC candidates.

Hon. Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, APC candidate for Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu Constituency I, commended Hon. Abosede for providing residents with access to vocational and digital skills.

He advised the graduates to maximise the training by developing their skills further and using them to create viable sources of income.

Bolowotan further urged residents to vote for the APC in the forthcoming elections, arguing that continuity would support the sustenance of ongoing government programmes and development initiatives.

He referenced the NELFUND student loan programme, ₦70,000 minimum wage, CNG initiatives and infrastructure projects while appealing for votes for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson and himself, alongside other APC candidates.

Beneficiaries from the various training categories expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn skills they described as useful for their personal and economic development.

Five selected participants who received additional support packages thanked the organisers, noting that the assistance would help them begin applying their skills and developing their businesses.

A Gele & Make-up trainee said the programme had increased her confidence and provided her with a practical skill that could generate income, while an AI Graphics Design participant appreciated the exposure to digital tools and contemporary creative opportunities.

Participants trained in Catering and Tailoring also expressed gratitude for the practical knowledge acquired, saying the skills could help them establish businesses and attain greater financial independence.

The graduation ceremony features the presentation of certificates and support packages to the participants, bringing the training phase of the SPEED UP LAGOS initiative to a close in Ikorodu North.