The Ondo State Government has trained over 200 women across the state on ICT, interior decoration, fashion designing and baking, among other skills, as part of its commitment to women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance.

With the training tagged “O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative,” Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated that the empowerment covered six different trades aimed at enhancing women’s economic stability and vocational capacity.

During the event, a N7.5 million grant was presented to soap makers and interior decorators, alongside sewing machines, modern ovens and mixers for cake-making, laptops and other work tools to enable the beneficiaries establish their businesses.

Speaking at the graduation and empowerment ceremony held at The Dome in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of women, youths and other vulnerable groups across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor emphasised the role of skills acquisition in empowering women and positioning them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

While commending the graduands for their dedication and perseverance throughout the months of intensive training, the governor assured them that the programme would be expanded to reach more women across the state.

“Today, we celebrate the transformation of our graduands from unemployed individuals into skilled, confident and empowered women ready to contribute to the economic growth of our dear state.

“I commend every one of you for the discipline, punctuality and commitment you demonstrated throughout this training. Be assured that this initiative will remain a continuous exercise under our administration,” he stated.

On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osemaye, expressed satisfaction with the high level of dedication exhibited by the trainees during the six-month intensive programme.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to continue to excel in their chosen fields and to build sustainably on the skills they have acquired.

Osemaye also appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support for the programme and his pro-women policies, which she noted have continued to elevate the status of women in the state.

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ololade Gbegudu, urged the women to take their newly acquired skills seriously and deploy them productively to support their families and communities.