Scores of women from different age groups recently gathered at the various skill acquisition centres set up by the Lagos State government across the state to participate in a free training programme designed to empower women and tackle poverty in the state. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO reports.
For the women that took part in the recently concluded free skill acquisition programme organized by the Lagos State government as part of its effort to reduce poverty among the populace, it was a fulfillment of a life time ambition.
The women, mostly from poor background, had looked forward to learning a trade or acquiring a skill and set up a business of their own afterwards, but they lacked the financial resources to follow through their dreams. But that has now changed, thanks to the Lagos State government; and the women are happy to tell their story.
Funmi Obanla, after completing her secondary school education had wanted to proceed further to acquire higher education but the poor socio-economic status of her family has dashed all her hopes in that regard. Moved by her family situation, Obanla like many other youths in Lagos roamed the street aimlessly for years in search of employment.
Things however turned around for good for her recently when a family friend informed her about a free skill training programme where she can learn any vocation of her choice. She quickly took advantage of the opportunity and registered at the Akowonjo centre of the Lagos State skill acquisition programme for training in soap making, since the programme does not attract any charge. Besides being trained, she was also exposed to other opportunities that would enable her to develop a viable business plan in the future.
“I have been undergoing this training since July and the programme did not cost me anything. During this period, I have gained a lot of things. We have been taught how to make kitchen soaps, toilet cleansers and washing soaps generally”. She told The Nation at the centre.
Continuing she said: “Already, I have people who are willing to patronise me when I start production. I can’t wait to start this business. This programme should continue because it will help a lot of women that do not have any work to do. We don’t have to start big, we can start from our house, and with time, one can expand to any size”.
Like Obanla, 18 year old Balikis Abdulrahman, said she deliberately chose to participate in the programme not just because it was free, but because it will help her develop her skill in hairdressing.
“I have been here for three weeks and I have gained a lot. I have learnt enough. I have learnt how to make different hairstyles including ‘Bob Marley’, fixing and weaving among others. I am very happy”.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Kehinde Nigbakunle, said the management of the centre did not discriminate regarding the local government or ethnic background of the participants before they could be accepted into any of the programmes.
“It is not difficult to enroll in this programme. One can come from Agbado, Oke-Odo, Alimosho and any part of the state. There is no discrimination at all, and the programme is free for the participants. We did not pay anything to get the application form. We did not pay anything for enrolment. We want the programme to continue so that we can learn more and gain more. The sustenance is critical to enable the participants establish their businesses and outfits”
Mrs Titilayo Philips, a full-time house wife, thanked the government for the programme, which she said had provided her an opportunity to learn a skill which she hopes will afford her an opportunity to make more money to support her husband and family.
She enjoined other full-time housewives not to remain idle but also seize the opportunity that the programme offers to acquire a skill, adding that most of the skills being taught at the centres, offers a window of financial independence.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure, who flagged off the training said, it was in continuation of the effort of the government to provide opportunity for women to become self reliant. She explained that women would be exposed to training in different vocational skills which includes cake and snack production, soap making, beads, hairdressing, make-up and headgear, textile designs, event and decoration, amongst others.
She enjoined participants to make good use of the opportunity and learn a skill, noting that the State government through the programme is determined not only to eradicate poverty in the state but also provide a window of opportunity for idle and vulnerable residents of the state to be empowered and make a better living for themselves.
The deputy governor added that the short-term training programme was the government response to the yearnings of the people who are unable to attend the regular programmes, which currently runs at the 17 Skill Acquisition Centres, for whatever reasons but still desires to acquire a skill to be able to improve their living condition.
“The short-term training programme is equally rich in content like the regular classes as the Ministry has deployed qualified instructors and materials to assist the beneficiaries in learning efficiently and effectively within the short period, while assuring that other local government and local council development areas not yet covered will enjoy similar opportunity soon.”
Since 2007, thousands of Lagos residents have benefited from the skill acquisition programme, mostly in the areas of fashion design, textile design, hair dressing, welding and fabrication, aluminum fabrication, mat weaving, catering and hotel management, tie and dye, bead making and printing technology.
The government has been fighting poverty through regular organisation of short-term and long-term skill acquisition programmes in different parts of the state to enable people acquire the required skills for self reliance. The regular skill acquisition programme also includes a three-week entrepreneurial training to empower participants with basic knowledge of management required for the smooth operation of their businesses whenever they are set for take-off. Besides that, the state government also organizes various short-term vocational training programmes for both men and women.
According to a report published by the state government last year, more than 35, 000 women received
training under the state’s various short-term programmes between 2007 and 2008. In 2009, the figure was put at over 60, 000, comprising women and men who were tutored in different vocations.
And to ensure that funding isn’t an issue for the graduates, the state government established the Lagos State Microfinance Institution (LASMI) to coordinate and disburse loans to budding entrepreneurs through the approved microfinance banks to enable them kick start their business plan.
