The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), on Tuesday commenced a nationwide skills acquisition and vocational training for widows, indigent women and youths.
Mrs Edna Azura,National President of NCWS stated this at the inauguration of the phase one of the training in Abuja.
Azura said the project marked a significant milestone in the council’s commitment to empower women.
She said the empowerment of women would promote economic development in Nigeria.
The president said that the training was in line with the commitment of the first lady, Sen. Olufemi Tinubu, to empower Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope agenda of the president.
According to her, this initiative is designed to equip widows, indigent women and youths with skills, knowledge and resources needed to start their own businesses.
She said that participants would undergo comprehensive training sessions on the production of oil perfumes, germicides and antiseptics.
Azura also said that the training sessions would be conducted by experienced facilitators and would cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the production process.
“Upon completion of the training, each participant will receive a starter pack containing all the necessary materials and equipment to start their own business.
“We will also present certificates of participation to our trainees, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
“Our support will not end there. We will provide post-training mentorship and support to the participants, to ensure that they have the guidance and resources needed to succeed in their businesses,” she said.
The NCWS president thanked their partners, donors and supporters whom she said made the programme possible.
She urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity by paying attention to all the rudiments of the training.
Speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, said the initiative is built on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Initiative of the first lady.
Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by Jummai Idonije, said that women’s empowerment remained a priority for Nigeria.
She said that through the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy and Nigeria for Women Project, there had been an expansion of support for women to 30 states.
She said this was with the intent to impact hundreds of thousands of women entrepreneurs.
“These initiatives provide financial access, skills training, and business opportunities, ensuring women that can thrive.
“Beyond economic empowerment, we are strengthening family social cohesion, enhancing care for the elderly, and improving orphanage operations to protect vulnerable children.
“This initiative, led by NCWS, aligns with our broader strategy to equip women with practical skills for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods,” she said
Suleiman-Ibrahim urged the beneficiaries to use the resources to build a better future for themselves, families and communities.
Also speaking, Dr Ejike Oji, Founder, Ejike Oji Foundation, pledge his continuous support to the NCWS.
He said training the women means developing the nation, adding that women were better managers.
Oji urged the council to replicate the training in all states of the federation in the nearest possible time.
Some of the beneficiaries said the training would empower them with the necessary skills to become self-reliant and to be able to support their families.
Miss Divine Ahga, a participant, thanked the NCWS for initiating the programme, adding that the training would help her to open her own business.
Reports that 50 women were empowered at the commencement of the training which will be replicated in the 36 states and FCT .
