By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has assured that his administration will continue to expand skill acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of the training centres and strengthen partnerships where necessary for apprenticeship and job placement.

Aiyedatiwa said this at the graduation ceremony and presentation of employment materials to first batch of the 2025 graduating skill acquisition trainees (O’DATIWA skill up A woman initiative).

Speaking through his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said that ” Our goal is simple: to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy.

He said that “Today, we gather not just to celebrate certificates, but to celebrate transformation – the transformation of our graduands from unemployed folks into skilled, confident and empowered women ready to contribute to the economy of our dear State.

“You have spent several months on rigorous training, learning various skills including tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering and ICT at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre.

” You have proven that when government creates the platform and citizens exhibit the commitment, great things are possible.

“To our trainers, facilitators and supervisors, I say a big thank you. You have not only taught skills, but you have also instilled values: the value of hard work, the dignity of labour and the importance of honesty and excellence in one’s trade. Your role is sacred because you are shaping the future workforce of our State.

The governor, therefore assured “that this kind of training will be a continuous exercise in our administration. It is not going to be a one off exercise, this is just the beginning.

“As you receive your certificates of graduation and empowerment materials, I urge you to see this as a launchpad, not a finish line.

“I challenge each of you to become job creators, not just job seekers. Start small businesses, offer quality services and be proud of your work tomorrow.

The governor implored them “to use your skills wisely and ethically; pay attention to quality and customer satisfaction; and continue learning and upgrading your skills.

Each of the graduating trainees received empowerment kits tailored to their skills.

These include sewing machines, laptops computer, ovens and mixers as well as grants to those who are into soap making and interior decoration classes to help you establish your micro businesses.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, said that the initiative is a testament of governor Aiyedatiwa commitment, unwavering commitment, to transformation of lives, to improving livelihoods of women by not paying leave service, but also showing through actions that indeed, when women are empowered, a nation continues to grow.

“You can see the exhibition of some of their products and today they will be going home with materials from the skills they have acquired.

” Sewing machines, laptops, fabricators, and even mixers. And apart from this, some of them will be going home with a cash up grant, a startup capital, to assist them, to make them financially independent and self-reliant.

Osamaye said that ” We are grateful to the Governor. I can assure you we have done 200 now. The next batch will be more than this. So we are grateful to the Governor.”