By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

The Ondo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young girls and women with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive and ever-evolving Nigerian business landscape.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a female entrepreneurship training programme held across three camps in Akure, the state capital, the Special Adviser on Gender to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mrs. Olamide Falana, emphasised that the state’s Gender Office would continue its efforts to strengthen the capacities of women and girls.

Mrs. Falana praised the partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), which facilitated the training, calling it a valuable experience for the participants. She also thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa, an alumnus of the EDC, for his dedication to youth empowerment.

Representing the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, his Chief of Staff, Dr. Ademola Falokun, congratulated the trainees and encouraged them to remain focused on their goals. He stressed that failure is not defeat but a stepping stone to improvement and that in today’s world, ideas—not just money—are the real drivers of success.

Mrs. Falana also urged the participants to fully utilise the skills they had gained to improve their fortunes. In his speech, Dr. Adelami assured that the state government, with its youth-focused agenda, would continue supporting trainees who stand out and are serious about making a mark in their respective industries.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, also addressed the trainees, encouraging them to take charge of their futures and contribute positively to society.

He acknowledged the rising crime rate among young people and called on the trainees, as future leaders, to step into leadership roles with responsibility.

Yusuf-Ogunleye also commended Mrs. Falana for spearheading the initiative and pledged that his ministry would introduce more youth programmes aimed at creating lasting impact.

In separate remarks, Olori Oyinkansola Aroloye and Yeye Yemi Ajonibode applauded the trainees, urging them to apply their newfound skills as female entrepreneurs to make a positive difference in the world.

Wumi Fayemi, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, also congratulated the participants and highlighted the dynamic nature of the Nigerian business environment. She encouraged them to feel fortunate to receive top-tier training.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to all trainees.

Earlier, EDC State Facilitator Mr. Sadiq Deen expressed his gratitude to the Ondo State Gender Office for its support in making the programme a success. He congratulated the trainees on being part of the select few to benefit from the programme.

In addition to the training, successful participants will receive 90 days of mentorship from industry experts, along with business registration, company incorporation, and marketing materials such as roll-up banners—all provided at no cost.

Ondo State was allocated 1,400 trainees across seven cohorts of 200, with three cohorts having completed their training so far.