BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Wife of Ondo State governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has flagged off skills acquisition and empowerment training for indigent women across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The first leg of the programme which was in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Political Appointees, FOWOSO, was held at Babafunke Ajasin auditorium Akure, comprising selected women from the six local government areas that formed the Central senatorial district.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Anyawu- Akeredolu said that the initiative was to make an average Ondo woman economically empowered.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Mrs Bunmi Osadahun, the Ondo First Lady hinted that no fewer than 180 indigent women across the state would be equipped with entrepreneurial skills and start-up funds.
She added that the programme, which started with the Central senatorial district would engaged sixty women per district for a duration of one month, training in seven different skills.
According to her, “to have a peaceful and progressive society, there is a need to strengthen the socioeconomic status of women, noting that the current economic situation in Nigeria was a reflection of inadequate empowerment of women.
Giving an overview of the programme, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Research and Documentation, Mrs. Temitope Daniyan who doubles as Coordinator of the initiative, listed the skills to include wig making, baking and confectioneries, tye&dye, makeup, and that household items like detergents will be a general class.
She informed that beneficiaries would be entitled to daily lunch and travel fare, and also a start up items with certificate of participation at the end of the one month training.
“Arabirin wants you to be able to put food on your table, to support your husband and even your education as a student”. She said
She reminisced on the 2018 empowerment project carried out across the state for over 2000 women by the First Lady, and reiterated her commitment to continually prioritize the welfare of womenfolk in the state.
Mrs. Daniyan, who disclosed that there would be an evaluation and monitoring exercise after the training to measure the progress of beneficiaries, assured that the initiative would be replicated in the remaining two senatorial districts.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, affirmed that the need to teach women how to fish, to be productive and proactive, birthed the programme.
She enjoined beneficiaries not to sell-off the starter pack that they would be given, informing them that the future belonged to the skilled.
Responding to the gesture on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Bosede Ojo from Ifedore local government appreciated the organisers of the event for the opportunity.
The event also featured demonstration of Breast Self Examination to create awareness about breast cancer.
In attendance at the event included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Kehinde Adeniran, female Commissioners in the Local government service commission , Mrs. Ronke Ojo, in OSOPADEC Mrs. Mosun Odukale, Education Secretary in Idanre and Central women Leader, Mrs. Ronke Akindolire, Chairpersons of the six concerned local government areas and members of FOWOSO.