Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and fostering a self-reliant economy through strategic investment in skills acquisition and human capital development.
The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during the graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials to 200 women, the first batch of 2025 beneficiaries under the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Olaide Adelami, governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the initiative goes beyond mere graduation, describing it as a symbolic transformation of participants from unemployed individuals to skilled, confident, and empowered women ready to contribute meaningfully to Ondo State’s economy.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the dedication and sacrifices of the women, emphasising that the state government would continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, monitor training centres, and strengthen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement across Ondo State.
He assured that the initiative would be sustained beyond the current batch, reinforcing the administration’s broader agenda for economic transformation.
Earlier in the ceremony, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, described the programme as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth, adding that future batches would see wider participation.
The beneficiaries completed six months of intensive training in areas such as tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering, and information and communication technology (ICT) at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre.
Each graduate received empowerment kits tailored to their fields, including sewing machines, laptops, ovens, mixers, and cash grants for trainees specialising in soap making and interior decoration.
The event showcased a combination of celebration and strategic empowerment, signaling the state’s effort to turn skills acquisition into a viable pathway for reducing unemployment and fostering self-reliance among women in Ondo State.
