The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada has pledged the commitment of the Lagos State government to the empowerment of women in the state.
Dada who made the pledge at the closing ceremony of four weeks of short-term skills acquisition training for Nigerian Army officers’ wives, Ikeja, Lagos, said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration has demonstrated commitment towards empowerment of women through various programmes.
She pointed out that one salient reason why the present administration led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu , has taken women empowerment as one of its focal policies in order to mitigate the effects of poverty prevalence amongst women is because it realized that when women are economically empowered, there is less tension in the home front and obvious reduction in domestic violence.
The commissioner explained that Lagos State government has embarked on vocational trainings for women, men and youths as a means to curb unemployment and empower citizens towards self-reliance with bid to achieve a viable economy, adding that one of such socio-economic intervention programmes , is the four weeks short-term skills acquisition programme
She said, ‘’The Lagos State government and indeed all of us gathered here today, are very much aware of the prevailing economic circumstance in our Nation, Nigeria. There is a dearth of “white collar” jobs that are seriously going into extinction. It is in realization of this economic reality, that the Lagos State government established 19 functional Skills Acquisition Centres , with 20 vocations being taught at these Centres that are situated across the State , with yet additional yet -to -be Commissioned Centres at Agidingbi Road, Ikeja and one more Centre at Ibeshe , hence , creating an avenue of self – sustainability for the Lagos Citizenry .
‘’The objective of the training being closed here today, is to train Women on various skills with specific targets for economic empowerment and elevation of recipients’ status from the state of dependency , to resourcefulness in providing the needs of their respective families. At this juncture, I will like to reiterate fervently that , there is zero tolerance to idleness and mediocrity which are ideals of Lagos State Government . In this quarter, 250 beneficiaries are being trained at each of the identified Centres.
‘’The short – term programme being conducted every three months, affords trainees on skills acquisition in Events Decoration, Tie and Dye, Catering and confectioneries,, Gele Tying and Make-Up Application, Ankara Craft and Leather Works, Hairdressing and Wig making, Fabrics Stoning and Embellishments, Throw Pillow making and Interior Decorations, Production of Soap and Pomade and household products, as well as Tie and Dye Adire making .
‘’It is noteworthy to mention here that all the training Programmes are tuition- free. So far, 11,750 trainees have graduated from the short – term programme since 2019.
