The Ondo State Government has distributed empowerment kits to 200 trained women across the State as part of efforts to promote self-reliance, reduce unemployment and stimulate grassroots economic growth.
The beneficiaries, who were drawn across the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, were trained in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills including tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering and ICT at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who spoke during the graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials to first batch of the graduating skills acquisition trainees (O’Datiwa skill-up a woman initiative), held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, said the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to human capital development and economic growth.
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Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami said; “today, we gather not just to celebrate certificates, but to celebrate transformation – the transformation of our graduands from unemployed folks into skilled, confident and empowered women ready to contribute to the economy of our dear State.
“You have spent several months on rigorous training, learning various skills including tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering and ICT at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre. You have proven that when government creates the platform and citizens exhibit the commitment, great things are possible.
“To our trainers, facilitators and supervisors, I say a big thank you. You have not only taught skills, but you have also instilled values: the value of hard work, the dignity of labour and the importance of honesty and excellence in one’s trade. Your role is sacred because you are shaping the future workforce of our State.
“I want to assure you that this kind of training will be a continuous exercise in our administration. It is not going to be a one off exercise, this is just the beginning. As you receive your certificates of graduation and empowerment materials, I urge you to see this as a launchpad, not a finish line. I challenge each of you to become job creators, not just job seekers. Start small businesses, offer quality services and be proud of your work tomorrow.
“I implore you to use your skills wisely and ethically; pay attention to quality and customer satisfaction; and continue learning and upgrading your skills. To the young ones among you, avoid any form of cultism, drug abuse or violence; be disciplined and hardworking. You should be agents of change in your communities.
“I am pleased to announce that each of our graduating trainees today will receive empowerment kits tailored to their skills. These include sewing machines, laptops computer, ovens and mixers as well as grants to those who are into soap making and interior decoration classes to help you establish your micro businesses. These materials and grants are not charity; they are investment in your potential and in the future of our State.
“Going forward, this administration will continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of the training centres and strengthen partnerships where necessary for apprenticeship and job placement. Our goal is simple: to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy.
“To our trainees once again, we are proud of you. You have proven that our women are not lazy; they are simply waiting for opportunity. Go out there and excel, be creative, and let your skills be instruments of development and peace in our dear Sunshine State.”
Seun Osamaye, the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, who spoke with journalists at the event said; “today’s graduation ceremony of the 2025 first batch graduates of the Skill Acquisition Training Centre, also tagged O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman initiative, is a testament of his (Aiyedatiwa) commitment, unwavering commitment, to transformation of lives, to improving livelihoods of women by not paying leave service, but also showing through actions that indeed, when women are empowered, a nation continues to grow.
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“Today, we are witnessing the transformation of these ones, having gone through rigorous trainings, because in different classes, from high city class to fashion designing to soap making, even to interior decoration class and catering classes, these students have come out the best.
“You can see the exhibition of some of their products and today they will be going home with materials from the skills they have acquired. Sewing machines, laptops, fabricators, and even mixers. And apart from this, some of them will be going home with a cash up grant, a startup capital, to assist them, to make them financially independent and self-reliant.
“We are grateful to the Governor. I can assure you we have done 200 now. The next batch will be more than this. So we are grateful to the Governor.”
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke during the programme, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a major relief in the face of current economic realities.
