Hon. Idris Iliasu Jimoh, Councillor representing Ward B3 Isiu and Deputy Leader of the 6th Legislative Arm of Ikorodu North LCDA, has empowered 500 residents through a two-week skills acquisition programme organised in collaboration with the Speed Up Lagos Anti-Poverty Squad.

The programme, tagged “Speed Up Ward B3,” culminated in a graduation ceremony yesterday, with beneficiaries completing practical training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills aimed at promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the graduation, Hon. Idris Iliasu Jimoh explained that the initiative was part of efforts to complement the empowerment agenda of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanisile, under his NEW DEAL Agenda.

He noted that the Chairman places importance on empowering residents with skills and opportunities that can improve their livelihoods and enable them to become economically independent.

He expressed appreciation to the Chairman for his support for the programme, stressing that the initiative was designed to give residents practical knowledge they could convert into businesses and sustainable sources of income. He encouraged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, practise what they had learnt and continue to develop their skills.

The Councillor also highlighted the importance of moving beyond short-term assistance by investing in human capacity. According to him, equipping people with vocational and entrepreneurial skills gives them the opportunity to create value, establish businesses and potentially provide employment for others.

He also encouraged residents of Ward B3 and Ikorodu North LCDA to vote massively for all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

In his remarks, *Hon. Mathew Alliu, Deputy Mayor of Ikorodu North LCDA, representing the Executive Chairman, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanisile,* commended Hon. Idris Iliasu Jimoh for the laudable initiative. He stated that the programme aligns perfectly with the administration’s *NEW DEAL Agenda* of youth empowerment, poverty alleviation and human capital development. He assured residents that the Chairman remains committed to supporting programmes that uplift the people at the grassroots and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the skills acquired to better their lives and contribute to community development.

Also speaking, *Hon. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, APC Candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I,* congratulated the graduands and gave words of encouragement. He charged them to be good ambassadors of Ward B3, to remain focused, determined and innovative in applying what they have learnt. He noted that skills acquisition remains a sure pathway to financial independence and advised them not to despise humble beginnings but to grow their crafts into viable enterprises.

*Hon. Bolowotan further pleaded with residents of Ward B3 to support him at the forthcoming election and to also vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Rep. Babajimi Benson, as well as all other APC candidates, to ensure continuity of good governance and more dividends of democracy.*

The graduation ceremony was well attended by community leaders, party leaders, youth groups and *all Ward Councillors in Ikorodu North LCDA*, who were present to grace the occasion and show solidarity with Hon. Idris Iliasu Jimoh and the people of Ward B3.

The two-week training featured daily-use items production, nylon and souvenir printing, bread production, ladies’ wig production, school bag production, make-up techniques, and catering and snacks. The programme also featured a Smartphone Graphics Design Class, Cohort 5.0, aimed at raising innovative entrepreneurs.

The training ran from September 7 to 18, 2026, with participants receiving hands-on knowledge in different areas that can be practised from home or developed into small and medium-scale businesses.