Ondo State Drives Women’s Economic Empowerment Through Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Support
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The Ondo State Government has strengthened its commitment to sustainable economic development and women’s empowerment by equipping 200 women with vocational skills and business tools under the O’Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme. This initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, is designed to reduce poverty and promote small business creation across the state.
Beneficiaries underwent comprehensive training in areas including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring, soap making, catering, and interior decoration, acquiring both technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight.
The program reflects a strategic shift from short term welfare to practical empowerment, enabling participants to leverage their skills into income generating opportunities.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the graduation of the first batch of participants, highlighted the initiative as a long-term investment in economic transformation, urging beneficiaries to apply their skills ethically, prioritize customer satisfaction, and continually improve their competencies. He described the program as a launchpad for job creation, emphasizing the transition from unemployment to self reliance.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye, underscored the program’s impact, noting that participants many previously without stable income now possess sustainable skills capable of driving economic productivity and generational change. She highlighted that true empowerment stems from capability building, not handouts, reinforcing the state’s commitment to practical interventions that foster self sufficiency.
The initiative aligns with broader social responsibility goals, demonstrating how targeted government-led empowerment programs can create measurable economic and social value, particularly for women, while fostering entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable development.