BY OLUWATOSIN IGHOTEGUONO
Over 60 women have been empowered with start up kits to boost their businesses after a one month training of the Ondo State skill acquisition and empowerment programme OSSA-EP.
The women who are from the cantral senatorial districts of the state were trained in skills such as Decoration, makeover and gele, Wig making, tye and dye also adire, bead making, fashion designing, Soap making among others.
The training was organised by the office of the wife of the governor, Mrs Betty Anyawu- Akeredolu in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials,FOWOSO held in Akure , Ondo state capital.
Addressing the graduands, Mrs Anyawu- Akeredolu who expressed happiness over the works done by the trainees within a short period of time said the women had been trained adequately on their chosen skills.
The wife of the governor who noted that the programme was devoid of politics said it was aimed at reducing the rate at which women depend of Men and also reduce poverty as well as the gender based violence among women.
Mrs Akeredolu however advised the trainees to make judicious use of their various skills to improve on the economy of the state and the country at large while also promising them of prompt patronage by the government.
The governor’s wife, who said that the gesture would be a continuous one, called on other women who could not make the list, to be patient as their turn would soon come.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olubunmi Osadahun, , charged the women to see the empowerment programme as an opportunity to give back to the society urging them not to sell the start up kits.
Mrs Osadahun said her office was ready to work and partner relevant ministries and agencies to ensure every woman enjoys the dividend of democracy.
The Special Adviser on Gender and Coordinator of the training programme, Mrs Temitope Daniyan who explained that more that 2,000 women benefited from the training and empowerment programme in 2018, said this years trainees were adequately trained on all skills to include financial intelligence and how to take good care of their health.
Some of the graduands, Ebun Adeniyi, joy Adams, Ruth Aizebeokhai and Abigail John who spoke with Radio Nigeria appreciated the wife of the governor for the opportunity given them said the program has given them the opportunity to be self reliant.
They promised to use the skills to contribute to the state Internally generated revenue, IGR.
