By Ebunoluwa Sessou

For Mercy Christian, the last three months have been more than just training; they have been a doorway into a new life. Standing proudly among dozens of graduates, the young fashion designer could hardly hide her excitement.

“I am very happy to be a graduate. As a beginner, I learned so many things. I can sew, cut, take measurements, and I am still upgrading,” she said, smiling.

Mercy was one of over 2,500 beneficiaries of the 6th edition of the Women’s Vocational Training Programme facilitated by the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Engr. Gbolahan Yishawu.

The lawmaker recently unveiled a series of intervention programmes aimed at improving the welfare, education, and skills development of residents.

The initiatives, held across different venues in the constituency, featured three major pillars: a large-scale eye health outreach, free distribution of JAMB forms, and the graduation of vocational and digital skills trainees.

Speaking at the event, Yishawu explained that the eye programme, taking place at Shetima Hall, is in its 11th edition and designed to provide critical interventions for constituents’ eye health, targeting about 30,000 procedures.

He added that participants undergo blood pressure checks, eye acuity and sight tests, after which those requiring reading glasses receive them immediately, while others are booked for prescription glasses.
According to him, “Cases of cataract and pterygium detected during screening are documented and referred for surgery at a nearby military hospital.

“The beauty of this programme is that no one is turned back. Every single person that comes here must get succour before leaving.”

Among those who returned for follow-up was Paul, who described the programme as life-changing.
“Last year I was given a pair of glasses. This time, they said I need special ones and they will call me. I appreciate that,” he said.

Paul urged residents not to ignore eye problems, recounting how a friend who came along was diagnosed and advised to undergo surgery.

“People should come out and test their eyes. Someone may not even know they need urgent care,” he warned.

At the Oluremi Tinubu Hall, the lawmaker also rolled out 1,000 free JAMB forms for students during the 13th edition of the scheme.

One of the beneficiaries, Chiamanda, expressed gratitude.
“I was given a free JAMB form without any stress. I thank the lawmaker for giving children the opportunity to pursue higher education,” she said.

A parent, Charity, testified that her children have repeatedly benefited from the initiative.

“He has been giving my children free forms. We will vote for him again and again because he is a man of the people,” she declared.

Beyond education and health, Yishawu said empowerment remains a cornerstone of his representation.
Vocational trainees in hairdressing, fashion designing, catering, tie and dye, welding, and aluminium works, alongside participants of the constituency’s digital hub training in data analytics and digital marketing, also graduated.

One of the graduates, Abimbola, said the three-month programme delivered more than she expected.

“What I gained within those three months is more than I can say. He is truly doing great,” she stated.
Yishawu added that top-performing students are rewarded with tools of trade such as hairdryers, ovens, welding machines, and other equipment to enable them to start businesses immediately.

“The essence is to encourage excellence and help them hit the ground running,” he said, urging beneficiaries to also explore federal support schemes including BOI, Development Bank loans, and SMEDAN opportunities.

The lawmaker emphasised that the interventions are strictly for residents of Eti-Osa Constituency II, with verification through NIN or voters’ cards to ensure the benefits reach intended constituents.

“For me, education and skills are game changers. Let us build our castles in the hearts of people, not just on the streets,” he said.

One of the doctors, Dr. Itua Enaahke, an eye care specialist, however, called for greater awareness and access to professional eye treatment as more residents continue to benefit from the community screening programme.

He disclosed that a wide range of eye conditions have been recorded among patients seen so far, including cataracts, chronic ulcers, and other vision-related complications.

According to him, the exercise, structured as a community screening, has attracted a large turnout, showing the growing need for accessible eye care services.

He advised Nigerians, especially physicians, to always understand their medical status, noting that early knowledge helps in identifying the right solution before conditions worsen.

Enaahke explained that many eye cases go beyond the need for glasses, stressing that some patients require detailed screening and specialist attention.

As the programmes concluded, gratitude filled the air from young students preparing for their future, to women discovering new livelihoods, and elderly residents receiving clearer sight.

In Eti-Osa, the message was simple: empowerment may begin with programmes, but its true legacy lies in the human lives transformed.