BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has partnered with Uredo by Design, a non-governmental organisation, to equip children at the Children’s Correctional Centre, Ugbekun, with fashion design skills.
The seven-week intensive training programme, facilitated through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aims to provide the children with practical skills to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Speaking at the launch, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children, especially those in correctional facilities.
She explained that the Centre serves as a temporary home for minors in conflict with the law or facing difficult situations, with focus on rehabilitation through education and vocational skills.
The Chief Executive Officer of Uredo by Design, Otubeje Uredo-ojo Faith, said the training would not only prepare the children to earn legitimate incomes but also shield them from crime and other social vices.
She expressed confidence that the participants would be able to design and produce quality fashion products that could compete globally, thereby boosting their self-esteem and giving them a renewed sense of purpose.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including the Director of Rehabilitation, Mr. Sylvester Okoeguale, and the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Osato Odobo.
