In fulfillment of the Lagos State Government’s pledge to eradicate poverty through the implementation of socio-economic empowerment programmes, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) has trained and empowered participants drawn from Network of People with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAM) in the State.
The event, which was held at the Hematology Department field, LASUTH, marked a turning point in the lives of the participants who expressed gratitude to the government.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the four-week short term Skills Acquisition Programme, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the empowerment of NEPWHAM members across the State is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda for a Greater Lagos.
The Commissioner, represented by Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, added that the government will continue to upscale the socio-economic relevance of people living with HIV/AIDS, irrespective of the stigmatisation and discrimination against NEPWHAM members.
Dada pointed out that there is a dearth of white-collar jobs in the society and in realisation of this economic reality, the Ministry has established 18 Skill Acquisition Centres across the State to empower and uplift the people from dependency to self-reliance.
She further stated that one of the functions of the present administration is to empower a large number of people, including NEPWHAM members, irrespective of their inadequacies, through the provision of requisite support to lift them out of poverty.
In his remarks, Dr. Segun Akinbami, Head of Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART), who represented Dr. Adetokunbo Fambanwo, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) at the event, expressed his appreciation to the Governor and the Ministry for the gesture.
Also speaking on behalf of stakeholders at the event, Mrs. Seyi Jimoh, President of NEPWHAM support group, appreciated the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for the support and empowerment.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and display of the skills learnt from the training programme by the graduands.
