Over 300 individuals who underwent vocational training in various skills such as fashion designing, catering, hairdressing, cosmetology, and beauty care have received sewing machines, locally made ovens, pedicure boxes, stoning machines, and industrial burners from the Ogun State Government, facilitated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The beneficiaries, comprising out-of-school children, unemployed youths, and women, were presented with the tools during a graduation ceremony at the Women Development Centre in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. According to Adijat Adeleye, the commissioner of the ministry, this empowerment initiative aims to promote financial independence among the recipients.
Adeleye emphasized the significance of the acquired skills as crucial tools for personal advancement, essential for fostering the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Highlighting the importance of vocational training as a viable means of livelihood, she encouraged the graduates to utilize their newly acquired knowledge and skills effectively. She further urged them to approach entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity, leveraging solutions to transform needs into opportunities.
In her address, Mrs. Ayotunde Lawal, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of youths and women through vocational skill acquisition. She urged the graduands to make optimal use of the opportunities presented to them.
Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the program’s objective of equipping trainees with practical and marketable skills essential for local economic growth. She expressed confidence that providing quality vocational training to unemployed youths would foster self-reliance, instill confidence, and enable them to positively contribute to society.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Barakat Adeniyi, Racheal Ajayi, Olorunda Sesan, and Olabide Taiwo, who were trained in hairdressing, fashion designing, catering, cosmetology, and beauty care, shared their joy at fulfilling their dreams. They expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for creating opportunities that empower them to be independent and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.