The Ogun State government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has empowered over 300 women to achieve financial independence by providing training in a range of vocational skills.
On Tuesday, the state government handed out various equipment to the women who completed the training program, including sewing machines, locally fabricated ovens, pedicure kits, stoning machines, industrial burners, and other tools to support their newfound vocational skills.
The women received training in a range of vocational skills, including fashion design, culinary arts, cosmetology, beauty therapy, and other related fields.
This is just as the government noted that over 20,000 people have benefitted so far from its scheme aimed at fighting poverty and unemployment in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, disclosed this while speaking during the graduation and distribution of the items at the Women Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Adeleye said that the skills acquired were tools for personal advancement critical for growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises.
She said, “The trainees have been trained in competitive skills that thrive in the society and these include Fashion Designing, Catering, Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Beauty care and the importance of vocational training cannot be overemphasised, serving as an alternative means of livelihood for the majority of people”
The commissioner noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration had given unwavering support and empowered women economically through ‘Oko’wo Dapo’ and other investments in the state, urging the graduands to continually seek knowledge and improve their skills on the latest trends and innovations in different fields, which would make them relevant.
She said ‘’I want you to make adequate use of the knowledge and skill acquired. It is important to embrace entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity in developing solutions that can turn needs into opportunities’’.
Giving her remark at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal, pointed out that government was determined to improve the livelihood of youth and women through acquisition of vocational skills.
Lawal implored the graduands to make judicious use of the opportunities which would enhance career prospects, foster entrepreneurship and improve productivity, to reduce dependency on white-collar jobs.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, said the programme was designed to equip trainees with practical skills that were not only marketable but essential for the growth of our local economy.
Adewole emphasized that equipping unemployed youths with quality vocational training would empower them to become self-sufficient, confident, and valuable contributors to their communities.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Barakat Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the state government for providing them with valuable training and essential equipment, stating that they are now empowered to make significant contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
