By: Kemi Peters

In its determination to make the citizenry to be self-reliant and self-sufficient, the Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has graduated over 15,000 youths and women in various empowerment skill services, micro credit schemes, and vocational skill acquisition programmes.

Commissioner in the Ministry, Mrs. Funmilayo Efuwape revealed this during the Graduation/Matriculation of Batch A and B of the year 2021/2022 set of trainees of the Women Development Center, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Efuwape, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi said the empowerment programmes of the Ministry were aimed at improving the living standard of the people, noting that the gesture would make beneficiaries independent and enhance their socio-economic status.

According to her, "Vocational Skill Acquisition programmes such as Hairdressing, Fashion Designing, Catering, Makeup, and Gele Tying, among others have been identified as ways of creating employment and it is not a gain saying that people who have gone through this training are successful individuals in the society".

She enjoined the graduands to ensure that knowledge gained were put in good use at ensuring economic growth and development of the State.

In her welcome address, the Director, Women Empowerment Services, Mrs. Wonuola Kassim, while congratulating the beneficiaries for successful completion of the training, saying they should be dedicated to their work and avail the opportunity given to them to pursue their dreams and become self-dependent.

Mrs. Janet Adeniyi and Miss Fawasi Olusesi who were trained in Makeup, Gele Tying and Fashion Designing respectively, appreciated the State government and the Ministry for the privilege.