Over 300 women have reportedly benefited from the Ogun State government’s initiative to empower women and youth with vocational skills.
This was as the government, through the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, trained the beneficiaries in vocational skills such as fashion designing, catering, cosmetology and beauty care, among others.
To cap its efforts towards what it describes as a bid to make women and youth in the state financially independent, the state government yesterday also distributed sewing machines, locally made ovens, pedicure boxes, stoning machines and industrial burners, among other items, to the trained women.
Speaking during the graduation and distribution of the items at the Women Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, stated that the distributed items were critical for the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises.
She urged the over 300 beneficiaries to use the tools they have received for personal advancement, as the skills they have acquired could serve as an alternative means of livelihood for the majority of people.
Hon. Adeleye also noted that the state government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun was committed to empowering women in the state economically through various initiatives such as ‘Oko’wo Dapo’ and other investments in the state, adding that the women also have a role to play and that is to continually seek knowledge and improve their skills on the latest trends and innovations in different fields, which would make them relevant.
‘’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,’’ she said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, were also at the event.
In a remark, Mrs Lawal reiterated the state government’s commitment to empowering women and youth in the state while urging graduates to make judicious use of opportunities that would enhance career prospects, foster entrepreneurship and improve productivity, reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary said the consequence of such schemes was realising a society filled with self-reliant and confident women and youths capable of contributing positively to society.
She implored the graduates to utilise the skills they had acquired, as they are practical, marketable, and essential to nation-building through their extensive positive impact on the nation’s economy.
In a report, Barakat Adeniyi spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciating the state government’s initiative and availing them of the worthwhile opportunity.
