The Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Christabel Ekwu, has charged youths who are residents in the State to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition Centre established by the State Government to enhance human capacity to create job opportunities.
Hon. Ekwu gave the charge while on a tour of facilities and personnel in the Skills Acquisition Centre in Igarra, the Headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
She expressed satisfaction with the standards and assured the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is committed to developing and empowering women and youths in the State through relevant skills acquisition.
According to the Commissioner, Christabel Ekwu, “The vision of setting up the Skills Acquisition Center is to support the vulnerable, enhance and equip our women and youths by teaching them their choice of skills, free of charge.
The Government is not asking anyone to pay anything; just come and learn so that you can have a source of income that will help you meet your needs instead of resorting to any criminal activity.”
Ekwu, while appreciating some generous donors, who supported the efforts of the State Government through the provision of some equipment at the Centre, applauded the Head of the Centre and its trainers for their maintenance culture.
In her words, “I am impressed with what I see here and how the people of Akoko-Edo LGA have embraced the use of the Centre. I love the way everywhere is clean and intact.”
The Commissioner encouraged parents and guardians to support their wards in acquiring relevant skills, stressing the need for more awareness and sensitization campaigns on skills acquisition and the Centre in Akoko-Edo, assuring she would always be part of its activities.
Earlier, the Head of the Igarra Skills Acquisition Center, Ogidan Paul, commended the State Government for the establishment of the Centre, describing it as a top-notch facility where trainers are available to guide volunteer trainees in acquiring a wide range of skills at the expense of the State Government.
Highpoint of the tour was the display of crafts made by trainees, as presented by Eunice Obajaja, a Local Government Council trade officer. The Centre hosts various departments, including Textile, Weaving, Cosmetology and Hairdressing. It offers Computer and Secretarial Studies, Fashion Design, Catering, and Hospitality Management courses.
