Some of the trainees |
Sokoto state government, in collaboration with the Nigeria office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have trained 100 former VVF funds in cosmetology with a view to empowering them socially and economically.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony Sunday in Sokoto, the state commissioner of women and children affairs, represented by her Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Dantsoho, said the sum of four million Naira was expended on the training.
She said the women have been taught to take care of hair and skin, do makeup, and produce beauty products like soaps, perfumes/body spray, disinfectants and antiseptics.
“The women have shown have shown enough commitment and have learned the new trade in record time. They are now empowered to sustain themselves when they return to their communities,” she added.
The commissioner said few days ago, the state government, in collaboration with the national Directorate of Employment (NDE), started another set of training programme for 200 women where they will be taught different trade and skills to make them self-reliant.
In his remarks at the event, the state commissioner of health, Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, said all VVF patients are treated by the government free of charge in the state.
“We not only treat them free of charge, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has directed that all them women should be trained and supported with a trade to smoothen their reitegration back into the society.
“So we are empowering them socially and economically. Importantly, we have introduced various measures to ensure that all pregnant women go for antenatal examination in health facilities. This will prevent prolong labour and at the same time prevent occurence of VVF among our women,” he added.
After their graduation, the women were given working tools and capital support to enable them start their businesses.