Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the central objective of his administration is to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy through sustained investment in skills acquisition and human capital development.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday at the graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials to 200 women, the first batch of 2025 beneficiaries of the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olaide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure effective monitoring of training centres and strengthen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement across the state.
Describing the event as more than a graduation ceremony, the Governor said it symbolised the transformation of the beneficiaries from unemployed individuals into skilled, confident and empowered women capable of contributing meaningfully to Ondo State’s economy.
He explained that the women underwent six months of intensive training in tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering and information and communication technology (ICT) at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre.
According to him, each graduate received empowerment kits aligned with their skills, including sewing machines, laptops, ovens, mixers and cash grants for trainees in soap making and interior decoration.
Aiyedatiwa commended the commitment of the women, noting that many made personal sacrifices to complete the programme, and assured that the initiative would be sustained beyond the current batch.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, described the ceremony as proof of the Governor’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth, adding that subsequent batches of the programme would be expanded.
Fidelis David in Akure
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