100 Anambra women undergo trainingin carpentry, mechanics, painting, others
From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha Over 100 young women have been selected for training in practical and high-demand vocational skills under the Anambra State Skilled Ladies Training Programme. Wife of the
From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
Over 100 young women have been selected for training in practical and high-demand vocational skills under the Anambra State Skilled Ladies Training Programme.
Wife of the governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, inaugurating the programme, said the training would equip participants with skills in areas such as solar and CCTV installation, air-conditioner repair and maintenance, carpentry, tricycle (keke) mechanics and painting.
She said the programme, which was under her non-governmental organisation, Healthy Living Initiative, was designed to provide women with entrepreneurial opportunities that would enable them to become self-reliant and economically productive.
Mrs Soludo described the initiative as practical intervention to celebrate women, particularly during the month globally dedicated to recognising the resilience and contributions of women.
“Anambra Skilled Ladies Programme is a well-designed entrepreneurial package that offers young women the opportunity to learn and prosper through high-demand and lucrative skills.
“You are here today not by chance. The screening process was strict and rigorous, and you were selected because you demonstrated passion and willingness to make a difference,” she said.
The governor’s wife urged the participants to remain committed and take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Our aim is to train, mentor and support a new generation of skilled workers, who will close existing gender gaps and bring unique talents into fields where women are underrepresented,” she said.
Soludo’s wife encouraged the trainees to remain resilient, dedicated and respectful to their trainers and fellow participants throughout the training.
“In these skill areas largely dominated by men, we want you to bring excellence and uniqueness. We want you to become a source of hope for your families, communities and the state,” she said.
The governor’s wife hailed the trainers for partnering with her office to ensure the success of the programme and urged them to mentor the trainees with patience, professionalism and dedication.
The Coordinator of the Healthy Living Initiative, Afam Obidike, said 100 participants were selected from 10,800 applications received for the programme.
He said the skill areas were largely male-dominated, adding that the governor’s wife was sponsoring the training through her non-governmental organisation (NGO) to empower women to become self-reliant and employers of labour.
He noted that the programme would run for two months with daily training sessions and enjoined the participants to take the opportunity seriously.
The trainers for the programme include Mrs Amara Abraham, a painter; Mrs Lucy Onoo, a furniture maker; and Mrs Anthonia Okafor, a solar installation technician.
Speaking on behalf of the trainers, Mrs Onoo said today’s Nigeria placed greater value on practical skills than certificates alone.
“It is no longer just about certificates, but about ‘Sabificate’, what you can actually do with your hands and talent.
“Learning a skill is very fulfilling and something to be proud of,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Miss Chidera Ezeadilue from Awka South, expressed happiness about being selected for the training, noting that she could not afford the N250,000 required to learn the skill elsewhere.
“I promise not to disappoint because it is a huge opportunity for me to make a difference,” she said.
