In a bid to make women and youths financially independent, Ogun State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has distributed sewing machines, locally made ovens, pedicure boxes, stoning machines, industrial burners, among others, to over 300 trainees in different vocational skills, as over 20,000 youths, as well as men and women have benefitted so far.

Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, while speaking during the graduation ceremony and distribution of the items at the Women Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, said the skills acquired were tools for personal advancement critical for growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Hon. Adeleye stated that the trainees were trained in competitive skills that thrive in the job market, which include, Fashion Designing, Catering, Hairdressing, Cosmetology and Beauty care, noting that the importance of vocational training could not be overemphasised, serving as an alternative means of livelihood for the majority of people at present.

The Commissioner noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration had given unwavering support and empowered women economically through ‘Oko’wo Dapo’ and other investments in the state Women Development Vocational centre, urging the graduands 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.

In her goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Ayotunde Lawal, pointed out that government was determined to improve the livelihood of youth and women through acquisition of vocational skills, imploring the graduands to make judicious use of the opportunities which would enhance career prospects, foster entrepreneurship and improve productivity, to reduce dependency on white-collar jobs.

In her opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole said the programme was designed to equip trainees with practical skills that were not only marketable but essential for the growth of our local economy, stating that provision of quality vocational training for unemployed youths would make them to be self-reliant, confident and capable of contributing positively to society.

Speaking, some of the graduants, Barakat Adeniyi, Racheal Ajayi, Olorunda Sesan and Olabide Taiwo, who were trained in Hairdressing, Fashion Designing, Catering, Cosmetology and Beauty care respectively, expressed joy for achieving their dreams, appreciating government for providing avenue that would make them to be independent and contribute their quota to the development of the state.