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THE Lagos State Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) says the beneficiaries of its Short-Term Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme are thriving in their fields of learning.
Mrs Cecilia Dada, Commissioner for WAPA, made the remark at a closing ceremony training and empowerment programme for women in Alausa Community,
Dada was represented by Mrs Funmi Adegoke, SSA to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Women Affairs.
She attributed the success story to the provision made through training in 12 vocations, which is taught free and thereafter, the learners are empowered with free start-up packs in their respective skills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 250 people graduated from the programme, a socio- economic intervention which is directed at financial sustainability and progress.
“I will like to inform this gathering, that following the success stories of these trainings, several letters of recommendations have been flowing in.
“One of such letters is an Appreciation Letter from the Management of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited.
“Stating that among the recently concluded Short-Term Skills Acquisition and Empowerment programme, six of such beneficiaries are doing very well in their craftsmanship with the aid of the tools by WAPA.”
According to her, the present administration, under the leadership of Mr Sanwo-Olu, has taken women empowerment as one of its focal policies, in order to mitigate the effects of poverty prevalence amongst women.
She noted that the trainings were available in Events Decoration, Tie & Dye, Catering and confectioneries, Gele Tying and Make-Up Application, Ankara Craft and Leather Works, Hair Dressing and Wig making.
Other include Fabrics Stoning, Throw Pillow and Interior Decorations, Production of Soap and Pomade/healthy insecticide Production and lots more.
“It is noteworthy to mention here that all the training programmes are tuition- free.”
Adegoke said that no fewer than 10,000 trainees have benefited from the programme since its inception in 2019, declared that 19 functional Centres, with 20 vocations were being taught at these Centres situated in 5 divisions of the State.
She further disclosed that arrangement had been concluded for an additional Centre, while new vocations will be introduced to mitigate the effects of poverty prevalence amongst women.
“The state government is very much aware of the prevailing economic circumstances in our nation Nigeria, and there is a dearth of “white collar” jobs that are seriously going into extinction
“Most importantly, we also realise that when women are economically empowered, there is less tension in the home-front and obvious reduction in domestic violence,” she said.
Speaking, Mrs Adams Aisha, Women Affairs Executive, Secretariat Mosque, described the programme as highly commendable while applauded WAPA for the initiative and for remembering women in the community.
Aisha solicited for continuity and for mosques to be made a centre for the programme whereby women can come to learn the vocations availa,ble since it’s a made inline with sustainable development goals.
“We appreciate the Ministry of WAPA, the programme started with training and today, the participants are smiling home with their start-up tools, we cannot thank you enough,”she added.
The women affairs executive advised the beneficiaries to make best use of the skills learnt in the programme to be productive, self reliance and by extension eradicate poverty.
“Let us make successful use of this opportunity by practicing what we have learnt and perfect it and contribute positively to economic growth of our families and Lagos State at large,” she added.
Mrs Olufunke Shilon, Director of Women Affairs, in her remark. enjoined the beneficiaries to guard the tools jealously and use it for the purpose for which it was given to them.
Shilon also warned that they must apply caution on the use of gas and the position of gas cylinder in the house and must not allow children free access to it.
“You have been trained and empowered today. You are, therefore, expected to take off as entrepreneurs. Note that you are not to sell any of these tools given to you,” she added. (NAN)
– Jul. 1 2022 @ 09:54 GMT | C.E
Tags: Cecilia Dada Funmi Adegoke Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA)
