From our news desk, Benin
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women, youths and vulnerable persons through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and social reintegration.
The reassurance was given by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah at the ‘Reintegration Support Training’ facilitated through the partnership and intervention of GIZ-ZME Nigeria.
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The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensenkhien in a goodwill message, described the event as more than a graduation ceremony.
It is “a celebration of resilience, empowerment, renewed hope and deliberate investment in human capacity development,” She noted.
This was made known in a press release by the Head, media, Daisy Osunde and circulated amongst journalists in Benin, weekend.
Mrs. Abdallah was quoted to have noted, that the successful training of beneficiaries in vocational and entrepreneurial skills, represents a significant step towards building self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The Edo State Government recognizes that one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development and reduce economic vulnerability is through deliberate investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and support for business start-ups, She asserts.
Continuing, Hon. Abdallah stated that equipping individuals with practical skills and providing them with the necessary start-up support promotes financial independence; while contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction, job creation and community development.
She further emphasized that through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Edo State Government remains fully committed to supporting initiatives and strategic partnerships that empower women, youths and vulnerable individuals with opportunities for economic advancement and social reintegration.
According to the Commissioner, programmes such as the GIZ-ZME Reintegration Support Training align strongly with the Government’s broader commitment to strengthening social protection, improving livelihoods and ensuring that vulnerable members of society are equipped with the tools needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
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She commended GIZ-ZME Nigeria and all stakeholders whose collaborative efforts continue to create life-changing opportunities for individuals deserving of a second chance to become productive members of society.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, commended GIZ-ZME Nigeria for the initiative, noting that it would encourage beneficiaries to remain in Nigeria by providing them with sustainable means of livelihood instead of embarking on irregular migration in search of greener pastures.
Agazuma was said to have also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for his efforts in tackling insecurity across the State, noting that improved security has created a conducive environment for lives, businesses and investments to thrive.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired; citing the example of a successful food vendor who started with just one thousand naira and grew into a household name.
In red dress, Perm Sec. Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien presenting tools to the graduands
Earlier, the Programme Component Manager of GIZ-ZME Nigeria; Eseosa Okuku disclosed that a total of 80 beneficiaries completed a 25-day vocational training programme in Hair Dressing and Wig Making, Curtain, Duvet and Bedspread Making, Pastries and Finger Food Production, and Hair Barbing.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and start-up packages to the beneficiaries to support them in establishing sustainable businesses.
After the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, accompanied by directors and staff of the Ministry, embarked on a guided tour of the facilities of Genius Hub Limited, where the beneficiaries received their training.
The Group Director of the organisation, Mrs. Isimeme conducted the tour, highlighting the organisation’s focus on career development, creativity, technology, innovation and preparing individuals for the future of work.
After the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, accompanied by directors and staff of the Ministry, embarked on a guided tour of the facilities of Genius Hub Limited, where the beneficiaries received their training.
The Group Director of the organisation, Mrs. Isimeme Whyte, conducted the tour, highlighting the organisation’s focus on career development, creativity, technology, innovation and preparing individuals for the future of work.
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