On August 21, 2025, Caritas Nigeria, with funding support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, celebrated the graduation of 415 individuals from a vocational training program held in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State. The event was part of the Building Sustainable Livelihoods for Vibrant Communities (B-SLiC) project, implemented in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Louis, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters, Daughters of Charity, and Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel.
The participants were trained in a variety of skills, including catering, electrical works, aluminium fabrication, phone repair, auto-mechanical repair, hairdressing, barbing, makeup artistry, tailoring, carpentry, and plumbing. At the graduation ceremony, they were presented with certificates of completion and start-up tools to support the launch of their own small businesses.
The initiative was designed to address unemployment and poverty by equipping individuals with practical, income-generating skills and encouraging self-reliance. The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, and the Executive Secretary/CEO of Caritas Nigeria, Fr. Peter Audu, urged the graduates to make effective use of their training and tools. Nkese Udongwo, Director of Humanitarian Services at Caritas Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering communities and tackling the root causes of poverty.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Chairman of Badagry LGA, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, and the Archbishop of Lagos, represented by Fr. George Anibuike, Dean of Badagry Deanery. Also present were officials from the State Ministry of Agriculture and local traditional rulers, highlighting the importance of collaboration among religious, governmental, and community bodies in addressing socio-economic challenges.
