Invest in businesses, not boyfriends, Sanwo-Olu urges female graduates

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised female graduates of vocational training centers to focus on growing their businesses and refrain from giving their hard-earned money to boyfriends for frivolous purposes.

The governor gave this counsel during the graduation ceremony for 5,512 trainees from the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Centre, held in Ikeja on Wednesday.

Addressing the female graduates, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged them to prioritize their financial independence after a year of rigorous training. He emphasized the importance of wisely investing in their future and resisting social pressures, including spending on extravagant items like aso-ebi or supporting partners at the expense of their savings.

“You have worked hard to acquire these skills over the past year. Don’t misuse your funds or savings by giving them to men in the name of love. Support your partners if you must, but don’t drain your resources,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “Set goals for yourself, remain focused, and continue developing your professional skills.”

The governor also reassured the graduates that his administration is committed to fostering an enabling environment for all citizens to succeed. “The government will be there for you. Use this opportunity to create jobs for others, and never give up on yourself,” he added.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, also spoke at the event, highlighting the achievements of the vocational centers over the past five years. According to Dada, 23,604 individuals have graduated from the 19 centers spread across the five divisions of Lagos State.

She mentioned that the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), a program aimed at supporting vulnerable men, women, and youth, has held two editions in the past year, with 75% of the students benefiting from the scheme.

Dada urged the graduates to make the most of their newly acquired skills in areas such as fashion design, catering, hairdressing, computer studies, and aluminum fabrication.

“Your skills are not just certificates; they are passports to opportunities that can transform your communities and contribute to a more prosperous society,” she said.