About 100 unemployed women selected across Ondo South Senatorial district, were on Friday, released to the Labour Market after completing one-month of rigorous skills acquisition training organised by the Wife of Ondo State Governor, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu.
At the graduation ceremony held in Ile-Oluji local government secretariat, the beneficiaries who were trained in profitable skills like bag making, hairdressing/Wig making, baking and Confectioneries, ICT/Solar technology, fashion design, makeup and Gele tying, smiled home with sophisticated start-ups tools to start their businesses.
In her remarks, the OSSA-EP Founder and First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu reiterated the need for women to be economically fortified in order for the womenfolk to evolve, saying “it is on this note, quite fulfilling that we are churning out another batch of experts with various skills”
According to her women’s economic security is inevitable and key to achieving stronger, happier and prouder womanhood, which OSSA-EP stands for.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu encouraged them to utilise the skills maximally to achieve entrepreneurial breakthrough.
“Government has played its part by investing in you through OSSA-EP. Through this programme, value has been added to you. And, having acquired the skills required for entrepreneurial success, you must be determined enough to excel.
“Your goal, therefore, as beneficiaries, must be to translate the skills acquired to visible economic advantage for yourselves, families and communities. I do know that, as women, we are uniquely wired for winning, and I am sure that you all can win if you put your mind to it.
“On our part, we have armed you for winning by giving you the right skills and tools through this programme. Do well to
put your skills to good use,” she advised.
She disclosed that the initiative is inclusive by ensuring the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the
empowerment scheme in order to give minority groups and special persons equal access to opportunities.
The Ondo State First Lady affirmed her further support for beneficiaries who would be able to translate the opportunity to wealth for the betterment of their lives, families and immediate environment, and enjoined them to exchange contacts for contracts recommendations.
“Let the woman who handles event introduce the woman who bakes; let the bag maker bring business to the one who sews. Together, let us change the odd narrative and give womanhood a new meaning”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Jegun and paramount ruler of Ile-Oluji kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr) Oluwole Olufaderin Adetimehin Jimoko 11, described the initiative as a visible and practical demonstration of the dividends of democracy through transformation of the lives of Ondo women.
According to him OSSA-EP is a great opportunity for the beneficiaries, and commended the wife of the Governor for prioritising women empowerment
His words: “To the graduands, I have just small words of advice, we’ve heard a number of historical antecedents of empowerment, where people are trained, given money to set up businesses, given equipment and materials to start their trade but this (OSSAEP) can be seen to surpass what we have seen all over the places, courtesy of mama FOWOSO.
“People often say come and take fish and eat, but you can only have a meal, but given this opportunity, you have been taught how to fish, and you can fish all through your life and can give food to others and sustain the lives of other people around you.
“All these equipment are not meant for leasing. Don’t let them out, it’s for you to use to create services and products for others”.
The Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa charged the beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the opportunity, translate the skills to wealth and become employers of labour so as to justify government’s investment in them.
Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Finance and investment, Akinterinwa who is one of the sponsors of the programme, implored organisations and individuals to intensify efforts in empowering women for socioeconomic development of our society.
Also speaking, the State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Aminu Takuro, advised the beneficiaries to be appreciative by maximising the acquired skills and tools for OSSA-EP’s purpose to be achieved.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Permanent Secretary of the ministry of women affairs, Mr. Tope Lebile, who represented the commissioner, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Mrs Olamide Falana, the chairman of agency with persons with disabilities, Mrs. Folasade Arise, the Chairman of Lottery and Pools betting commission, Mr. Jide Akinroluyo, members of the Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Political Appointees, FOWOSO, Founder of Everbright Real Estate Development and Aiku Everbright International Foundation, Mr. Bright Adelegan, the Head of Ile-Oluji local government administration, Mrs. Dupe Omoloja, amongst others.
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