In a continued effort to uplift the community, Engr. Gbolahan Yishawu, the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency 02, has empowered local youth, market women, and traders through various initiatives.
Speaking at the combined 12th GOY Micro-Business & Entrepreneurship Support Programme and the 3rd Human Capital Development Skills Graduation Ceremony, Yishawu expressed his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency despite challenging times.
During the event, 76 women graduated from the Women’s Vocational Training Programme, 18 of whom received start-up tools in recognition of their exceptional performance.
Yishawu also celebrated the achievements of 38 students who completed digital training in fields such as graphic design, data analysis, and digital marketing, with the top-performing students awarded laptops to further their careers.
Yishawu highlighted the ongoing impact of his various community programmes. Since inception, his vocational training programme has empowered over 2,500 students in collaboration with Lagos State’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
Moreover, Yishawu’s Human Capital Development Hub has graduated 194 students in less than 10 months, equipping them with vital digital skills.
In addition to youth empowerment, Yishawu has supported over 300 artisans with essential tools through the GOY Artisan Trade Enhancement Programme and provided more than 10,000 free JAMB forms to students through the Tertiary Institution Admission Grant Programme.
His community-focused efforts extend to petty traders, with over 800 micro-businesses receiving support, and more than 2,000 elderly and widows benefiting from cash assistance and food donations through his Aged and Widows Support Programme.
He also supported the Lagos Island Skill Acquisition Centre with a donation of N250,000, which the principal, Mrs. Ajayi Abiodun, appreciated, commending his kind gesture.
Yishawu concluded his speech by reaffirming his commitment to the growth and well-being of the people of Eti-Osa, announcing future initiatives like a “Book Reading Initiative” for children and health support for families raising children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The beneficiaries appreciated the lawmaker for his continued support most especially in this economy that things are expensive.
A female shoemaker, Justina Angelo who received a machine to file shoes said , “I studied nursing at the College of Health Technology in Mubi Local Government, Adamawa State.
“However, I ventured into shoemaking because I couldn’t secure a job with my certificate. Skills are what are sustaining us in Nigeria now, so I decided to pursue shoemaking, and I’ve been in the business for five years.
” By God’s grace, my dream is to one day own a factory where I can employ others, just as Hon. Gbolahan helped me. At least then, people will come to learn from me. We use machines for smoothing and filing, making the shoes beautiful and presentable,” said one of the beneficiaries.
Other beneficiaries who received generators, tools for mechanical work, and hair dryers also expressed their gratitude, saying the lawmaker has consistently supported the community.
Mr. Kolawole Peregrino, General Manager of Lagos State Printing Press, offered a job to one of the graduates, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunity.
Mrs. Sunday Hannah, a widow attending the program for the first time, said that the cash support would go a long way in helping her meet her needs.
