…activates skill acquisition centre

By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

To ensure effective service delivery, the Ondo State Government, has organised a workshop for elected and appointed female officials in the state.

The workshop, tagged “Unity of Purpose: Pathway to Successful Delivery of Our Ease Agenda,” was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Akure.

During the programme, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, also activated the Skill Acquisition Centre of the ministry.

According to the state government, this initiative will provide interested women with training and equip them with employable skills, enabling them to become self-reliant and self-sufficient. Outstanding trainees will be supported with start-up capital.

The Governor emphasised that Ondo State is blessed with human resources, highlighting the need to further enhance women’s skills to deliver the dividends of democracy.

He affirmed that his administration is committed to empowering women and driving meaningful change for overall development.

According to him, women are catalysts in achieving set objectives, and the workshop provides a platform for working with unity of purpose to strengthen the system and foster development.

He urged participants to strive for meaningful impact, stating that their commitment could make a difference in the delivery of good governance.

The convener of the workshop and Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs Seun Osamaye, explained that the workshop aims to broaden participants’ knowledge and enhance their performance, helping them understand the significance of their roles in actualising the government’s agenda.

Dr. Osamaye affirmed that the Governor has numerous plans for women in the state, revealing that no fewer than 2,000 women will be empowered this week alone.

“It is time to stand together in one accord to realise the agenda. We have put several mechanisms in place. All our women will be valuable. Ondo State is motivating women to become self-sufficient. The Governor is committed to ensuring the emancipation of women, who are pivotal to development in society.

“The importance of unity cannot be overlooked. Without unity of purpose, there can never be progress and the ‘Ease’ we all seek.

“The Governor has also activated the Skill Acquisition Centre, which was commissioned some time ago, so that women can learn different skills from instructors and facilitators. At the end of the training, those who perform well will receive financial assistance to reduce poverty and ensure that women in the state are self-reliant and self-sufficient.

“All women in the state are welcome to the centre without discrimination, and registration is free. Those who register will be given an identification card. Governance is for everybody, and this is the time to show that we are ready to empower women in the state. I can assure you that the Governor will deliver on his mandate.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Princess Olawunmi Fayemi-Obayelu, stressed the need for women to unite to achieve greatness, noting that a better society can be built without discrimination or sentiment.

Two resource persons, Prof. Mrs. Bridget Awosika and former State House of Assembly Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele, delivered lectures on the topic. They emphasised the need for women to work with sincerity and unity of purpose to enhance good governance.

They urged participants to be productive, committed, and proactive in adding value to the system.

According to them, women make up about 65% of the population, and when they choose to collaborate, they drive development and bring about positive change.

The lecturers said: “Being appointed or elected means you have what it takes to bring positive changes and foster harmonious relationships. Have firsthand knowledge of the present administration’s agenda and implement it at your level. Be determined, take action, and be a good ambassador.”