Hopewell Initiatives for National Development a humanitarian group passionate about ensuring economic wellness of the people across the localities in Nigeria, has empowered 88 widows in Badagry local government with various vocational skills to bolster their economic status.
Driven by the intent to emancipate many indigents in the society, the group in collaboration with the Ability in Disability initiatives and the office of Women Development and Poverty Alleviation in Badagry local government held a 3-Day Skills Acquisition Training Programme from August 29th to August 31st, 2023, in Badagry.
The Founder of Hopewell Initiatives for National Development Mrs. Bilquees Aiyepola while speaking at the trainee’s graduation ceremony held on October 11th,2023 said that the graduands have been well trained in five different vocations namely; Make up and tying of Gele, Soap and Insecticide, Tie and Dye, Ankara handcraft like bag and footwear and Catering.
Mrs. Aiyepola added that the empowerment was targeted at building individual capacity of participants in order for them to be able to cater for their needs and contribute their quota in the economic development of their community as self -reliance is now the in-thing across the country.
“A total of 88 enthusiastic women who are indigenes and settlers in Badagry kingdom from various backgrounds and age groups actively participated in the training programme. The diversity of participants reflected the inclusive nature of the initiative.
“The training programme encompasses a range of practical and theoretical modules, including but not limited to Make up and Gele tying, Soap and Insecticide Making, Tie and Dye Making, Ankara Craft and Bag Making and Catering.”
She added that the training helped in rekindling hope of widows and disadvantage women in the community and also open up source of making additional incomes and great hope of starting their business with little cash.
According to Aiyepola the Royal fathers in attendance and Chairman of the local government Hon.Olusegun Adeniran Onilude were encouraged by the huge turnout and commitment of participants.
“We actively encouraged participants to provide feedback throughout the training. Their valuable input will be considered in the planning of future skills acquisition programs.
The group however, made recommendations owing to the assessment of the training, that on regular basis similar skills acquisition programmes should be organized to help upscale the participants. As well as ensuring an expansion of the scope and reach of future programmes to benefit more residents.
Also, that the available network of commerce should be maximally explored to leverage available opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and industries to create employment avenues for graduands.
