The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has strengthened its efforts to empower women and promote MSME development through a new partnership with Dangote Cement Plc. The initiative, unveiled during Dangote’s Sustainability 2025 Week, is focused on equipping women and youth in grassroots communities with entrepreneurial and vocational skills that promote self-reliance.
At an event held at the WAPA Vocational Centre in Anthony Village, eight beneficiaries from the Ajomo-Ikosi community were enrolled for vocational training at the Kosofe Skill Acquisition Centre. Each participant also received start-up packs to help them launch small-scale enterprises upon completion of their training.
Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, praised Dangote Cement for its continued partnership with the Lagos State Government, describing the collaboration as a strong contribution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.
She noted that empowering women with practical and employable skills was key to building resilient families, thriving communities, and sustainable small businesses.
Dangote Industries’ Deputy Head of Sustainability, Oyekemi Oyelola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing initiatives that support local livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
The event ended with the distribution of start-up packs, earning praise from community leaders who described the initiative as a step toward lasting socio-economic impact at the grassroots level.
