…partners LSETF to support small businesses
The event hall of the new Somolu Local Government Secretariat was a hive of excitement and celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2025, as Al-Munir Guidance and Dawah Center hosted its annual graduation ceremony for over 200 trainees.
The atmosphere was filled with pride and gratitude as families, friends, and well-wishers gathered to witness the successful completion of various vocational skills by the beneficiaries.
The center, known for its grassroots empowerment initiatives, trained participants in diverse fields of human endeavour including Baking, Fashion Design, Bags and Shoe-making, Hairdressing, Barbing, and other entrepreneurial crafts. The initiative aimed to equip young men and women in the Somolu community with practical skills to enable self-sufficiency and reduce unemployment.
Mr. Yusuff Bello, the lead facilitator of the training, revealed during his remarks that the empowerment programme was carried out in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
According to him, the collaboration was pivotal in not only training the beneficiaries but also ensuring they received necessary financial support to start their businesses with ease.
“The partnership with LSETF made it possible for us to go beyond skill acquisition. We wanted to make sure that our graduands do not just return home with certificates, but are also empowered to launch their own ventures without financial hindrance,” Mr. Bello explained.
In a significant highlight of the ceremony, Al-Munir Guidance and Dawah Center officially launched the Al-Munir Foundation, a newly created initiative that will serve as a vehicle for continuous empowerment and social development across Somolu and beyond.
The foundation is expected to drive more community-centered programmes, particularly in the areas of youth development, economic empowerment, and religious enlightenment.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Aminat Yusuf, a beneficiary from the fashion design class, expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for the life-changing opportunity. “This training has given me the skills and confidence to pursue my dreams. I’m also grateful for the support from LSETF. Now, I can start my own fashion business and even train others,” she said.
Dignitaries from Somolu Local Government, community leaders, and religious clerics were present to witness the landmark event. They applauded Al-Munir’s commitment to empowering the people and urged other organizations to emulate their efforts in tackling youth unemployment through practical empowerment schemes.
With the successful graduation of over 200 individuals and the launch of a dedicated foundation, Al-Munir Guidance and Dawah Center continues to cement its role as a beacon of hope and progress within the Somolu community.
