The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has successfully graduated beneficiaries of a Three-Day Digital Business Skills and Android Phone Empowerment Programme at the Women Development Centre, Agege, on Thursday, 29th January, 2026.
The programme was designed to equip market women, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), young adults and artisans with relevant digital and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in today’s technology-driven business environment and to enhance their income-generating capacity.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at promoting economic inclusion, self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. She disclosed that over 1,100 Lagos residents have benefitted from the digital empowerment initiative to date.
According to her, as businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, entrepreneurship must now be complemented with digital competence. She explained that participants were trained in digital marketing, online visibility and customer engagement, and were also supported with brand new Android smartphones as practical business tools to help scale their enterprises.
The Honourable Commissioner added that the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government, particularly in the areas of Education and Technology, Social Inclusion, Economic Diversification and the development of a 21st Century Economy.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, advised beneficiaries to adopt safe, ethical and professional business practices. She stressed the importance of confirming payments before releasing goods, posting business content consistently on digital platforms, and retaining Android phones as essential business tools rather than selling them.
She further urged participants, especially service providers, to be security conscious, communicate their movements to family members and people around them, and take personal safety seriously while conducting business activities.
The training sessions were facilitated by Mr. Folu Abisayo and Mr. Kelvin Onyenankie of Liquidluck Consulting, who delivered practical sessions on Digital Foundations and Customer Relations, understanding markets and competitors, WhatsApp Business and customer etiquette, financial management and secure payment systems, sales, advertising and logistics, brand protection, crisis management and online reputation management.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, appreciated the support of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, as well as the guidance of the Honourable Commissioner, she also commended the facilitators and departmental teams for the successful delivery of the programme.
Some beneficiaries also shared their experiences at the event. Bukola Olorundo, a professional carpenter, stated that the training broadened her understanding of business operations and customer satisfaction.
Another participant, Abdulkareem Oyewunmi, a baker, noted that she learned how to effectively promote her products online, having previously lacked social media marketing skills.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of brand new Android smartphones and certificates of completion, interactive sessions and group photographs.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to implementing empowerment programmes that promote economic self-reliance and improve the livelihoods of residents across Lagos State.