Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Christabel Omoh Ekwu has called on Edo State residents to take advantage of the skills acquisition centre built and equipped by the state government to enhance human capacity and create job opportunities.
Hon. Christabel who made this call during a familiarization visit to the Skills Acquisition Centre in Igarra, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, explained that the Obaseki-led administration is one with a keen interest in developing and empowering the women and youths in the state.
According to the commissioner, “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 in meeting up with your needs instead of resulting to any criminal activity”.
Hon. Christabel also appreciated some magnanimous donors who supported the effort of the state government in providing some of these laudable learning equipment at the centre. In addition, she applauded the head of the centre and its trainers for their maintenance culture.
In her words, “I am impressed with what I am seeing 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 further encouraged parents and guardians to support their wards in acquisition of skills to develop their ability, stressing the need for more awareness and sensitization campaign on skills acquisition and the existence of the centre in Akoko Edo, as she would always take part in their activities subsequently.
Earlier, the head of Igarra Skills Acquisition Center, Ogidan Paul commended the state government on the establishment of the skills acquisition centre, describing it as a top-notch facility where skills are acquired in a hitch-free manner.
The highpoint of the visit was a facility tour by the commissioner and her entourage led by the head of the skills acquisition centre, with a display of crafts work done by trainees presented by Eunice Obajaja, a trade officer of the local government council.
The skills acquisition centre consists of textile department, weaving department, cosmetology department and hairdressing department. It offers courses in computer and secretarial studies, fashion design, catering, and hospitality management.
