The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women emancipation and economic inclusion with the graduation of 200 women under the first batch of the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative for 2025.
The colourful graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials took place at the Dome Event Centre, Akure, where beneficiaries showcased products from their various training areas.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, described the programme as a practical demonstration of an administration that believes women should be empowered, not encouraged to beg.
According to the Governor, women are central to economic growth and must be given the confidence, skills and tools to contribute meaningfully to society.
“These tools are money-making machines. Do not sell them. Use them to change your lives. Starting a business may not be easy, but remain focused, resilient and committed, and you will succeed,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He added that the initiative reflects his inclusive leadership style, noting that women are disciplined, appreciative and reliable when given opportunity.
“Today is not just about certificates; it is about transformation. We are celebrating women who came in unemployed, troubled and discouraged, but are now confident, skilled and ready to contribute to the economy of Ondo State,” he stated.
The Governor described the items as strategic investments in human capital, not charity, and urged the graduates to become job creators, uphold ethical standards and continue improving their skills.
He also advised the youths among them to shun cultism, drug abuse and violence, and become positive change agents in their communities.
Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, said the programme was designed to move women from dependency to productivity.
She praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his passion for women empowerment, saying, “We have a governor who believes women should not beg to eat but be empowered to live with dignity and confidence.”
Dr. Osamaye noted that many of the trainees came into the programme facing unemployment, domestic challenges and financial hardship, but were transformed through six months of free life-skills and vocational training sponsored by the state government.
“What women need is not tokenism or feeding money. What women need is skill. Once a woman is empowered, she becomes self-reliant and also empowers her family and community,” she said.
She explained that beneficiaries were trained in ICT, fashion design, catering, baking, interior decoration, soap making and other vocational areas, stressing that even elderly women successfully learned computer skills and would be going home with laptops.
Dr. Osamaye announced that the programme was free of charge and strictly based on personal interest, adding that the next batch of trainees is already waiting to commence.
“Our women are not lazy; they are simply waiting for opportunity,” the Governor concluded. “Go out, excel, and let your skills become instruments of development in our Sunshine State.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of empowerment kits and grants including sewing machines, ovens, mixers, laptops, computers and start-up capital tailored to each participant’s area of specialization.
Several political leaders, members of the State Executive Council, party officials, professional women, civil servants and support groups were present at the ceremony.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.