Rotary Club Empowers Youths, Awards Scholarships In Abuja

Rotary Club of Lugbe FHA Estate in the Federal Capital Territory has graduated over 100 beneficiaries from its three-months skills acquisition programme with 15 exceptional graduates receiving full scholarships for advanced training and business start-up support.

The graduation ceremony brought together a diverse group of participants including members of the Rotary Club of Lugbe FHA Estate, Rotaract Club of Lugbe, Interact Club, community corps members, as well as students from Government Secondary School (GSS) Car Wash Lugbe and LEA Primary School FHA Lugbe.

Speaking at the event, the president of Rotary Club Lugbe FHA, Rotarian Tunmise Adepoju, described the programme as a milestone in the club’s commitment to touching lives and fostering self-reliance within the community.

“Our goal is to empower at least 100 beneficiaries from the community with basic skills that will help them become productive members of society.

“Today marks not just the end of their training, but the beginning of their journey toward financial independence and contribution to national development,” he said.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including the district governor’s representative, past district secretary and technical assistant to the district governor, Rotarian James Ugbeda; the district chair for Rotaract, Rotarian Kate Ada;

Others are the school principals from participating institutions, the President-Elect of RC Lugbe FHA and the Programme Coordinator of Webmark Foundation, Dr Alukwe Ugochinyere, the major partner and sponsor of the initiative.

The district chairman of Rotaract, Rotarian Kate Ada, commended the initiative and highlighted the importance of early exposure to vocational training.

“Our society often focuses more on paper qualifications and forgets how important vocations are.

“If these students are taught and are ready to learn, they will acquire skills that will benefit them immensely, boosting their CVs and their confidence for future opportunities,” she said.

All participants received certificates of completion in recognition of their dedication throughout the intensive three-month training period.

However, the highlight of the event was the announcement of scholarship awards for over 15 best students across various skill areas, who will now proceed for further intensive trainings and receive business start-up support.

The Programme Coordinator of Webmark Foundation, Dr Alukwe Ugochinyere, speaking at the event, emphasised the transformative power of vocational skills and the foundation’s commitment to sustaining the partnership with Rotary Club Lugbe FHA.

“Skills are assets that cannot be taken from a person. With skills, you can become anything you want to be.

“We believe it is important that children, apart from receiving a regular education, also learn vocational skills to improve themselves and contribute to society,” Ugochinyere said.

This initiative aligned with Rotary International’s focus on community development and economic empowerment, demonstrating the club’s holistic approach to youth development and poverty alleviation in the Federal Capital Territory .

The event concluded on a high note, with participants and their families expressing gratitude to the organisers and sponsors for the life-changing opportunity.

Many of the graduates expressed optimism about their future prospects, armed with new skills in various vocational trades that will enable them to become self-reliant and potentially employers of labour in their communities.