Education
THE Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Mrs Bolaji Dada, says the government is committed to supporting creativity and innovation among students in vocational centres in the state.
Dada said this at the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation(WAPA) for students in the state’s vocational centres.
The theme of the event is “Inspire – Step Out and Innovate”.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN celebration marked on April 21 and through the month.
This is aimed at creating awareness o the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving, with respect to advancing the sustainable development goals.
Dada stated that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, being development-oriented, saw the need to make creativity and innovation cardinal principles in his forward-looking T.H.E.M.E.S.PLUS Agenda.
She noted that creativity and innovation drive most of the schemes designed to empower students in the centre and make them economically independent.
“Presently, there are 19 vocational centres across the state, and last year, a total of 4592 beneficiaries graduated from our vocational centres.
“By tapping into the full potential of our students through their creativity, they can generate income, gain financial independence, and contribute to their communities’ economic growth and ultimately to the nation as a whole.
“This enables self-reliance amongst women, the vulnerable, out of work or unemployed youths and adults,” she said.
According to her, creativity and innovation are essential drivers of national success, fostering growth, adaptability, and competitiveness globally.
The commissioner said these skills play a crucial role by driving progress, solving complex problems and enabling platforms that nurture growth.
She explained that creativity empowers societies to adapt to changing circumstances, develop new technologies, and find innovative solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Dada stated that fostering a culture of innovation and creativity could enhance a nation’s competitiveness on the global stage and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
She said: “The transformative power of innovation and creativity is seen in nations that have gone through the various stages of development.
“All over the world, nations that have not defined their direction have been known to experience stagnation due to resistance to change, especially when they do not get a buy-in from the people.
The commissioner charges the students to unleash their inherent potential to enable them to utilise their unique strengths, talents, and abilities, which can lead to personal fulfilment and success.
She told the students that realising their potential can boost their confidence and enhance their self-esteem.
Dada said this is an avenue for them to earn an income and inspire others to do the same, especially at a time like this when creativity and innovation rule the world.
“You can pursue your passions, achieve your goals, and make a positive impact on the nation and the world around you, knowing fully well that not all are driven into white-collared jobs,”she said.
In a lecture, Mrs Maji Ayodele, a motivational speaker, advised the students to acquire creative and innovative skills that can promote them globally and be disciplined in their endeavours.
Ayodele also charged the students to embrace collaboration, partnership and networking as a key to reaching the global market.
She said: “Don’t rest on your oars. Excellence should be your watchword. Ensure to take what you are taught at the centre to the next level and be consistently creative to remain in business.
In her admonition, Mrs Caius-Ijeoma Blessing, a graduate of the Mushin vocational centre, advised the undergraduates to develop the right attitude to work and other aspects of life and be a change agent the world needs.
NAN reports that the scores of the students, varying from fashion designers, caterers, beauticians, hairdressers, coblers, among others, showcased their skills and products, such as fascinators, dresses, necklace, wigs, and many others.(NAN)
F.A
April 26, 2024
