By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to women empowerment, job creation and poverty reduction with the graduation and empowerment of over 200 beneficiaries of the ‘O’Datiwa Skill-Up: A Woman Initiative’.
Aiyedatiwa, while speaking during the presentation of empowerment materials to the first batch of the 2025 graduating trainees, described the initiative as a deliberate policy aimed at transforming lives and improving livelihoods through practical empowerment rather than rhetoric.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said the ceremony was not just about the presentation of certificates, but about celebrating the transformation of women from unemployment into skilled, confident and productive contributors to the state’s economy.
According to the governor, the graduands were trained in various vocations, including tailoring, fashion design, interior decoration, soap making, catering and information and communication technology (ICT).
He assured that the Skill-Up initiative would not be a one-off programme but a continuous intervention under his administration, urging the graduands to see the empowerment as a launchpad for entrepreneurship, encouraging them to become job creators rather than job seekers.
As part of the empowerment package, the governor announced the distribution of skill-specific tools and equipment, including sewing machines, laptop computers, ovens and mixers, while some beneficiaries receive cash grants to serve as start-up capital for their micro-businesses.
He said, “I want to assure you that this kind of training will be a continuous exercise in our administration. It is not going to be a one-off exercise; this is just the beginning. As you receive your certificates of graduation and empowerment materials, I urge you to see this as a launchpad, not a finish line.
” I challenge each of you to become job creators, not just job seekers. Start small businesses, offer quality services and be proud of your work tomorrow. I implore you to use your skills wisely and ethically; pay attention to quality and customer satisfaction; and continue learning and upgrading your skills.
“These materials and grants are not acts of charity, but investments in your potential and in the future of Ondo State. The government would continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, strengthen monitoring of training centres and deepen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, described the graduation as a clear demonstration of Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and improving the economic fortunes of women across the state.
Osamaye said the initiative showed that the present administration was not only paying lip service to women’s empowerment but backing his words with concrete action.
According to her, the graduands had undergone rigorous training across different skill areas and had emerged well-prepared for self-reliance.
She noted that products made by the trainees were displayed at the venue, showcasing the quality of skills acquired during the programme.
She added that beneficiaries would be going home with tools relevant to their trades, including sewing machines, laptops, fabricators and mixers, alongside cash start-up grants for some participants.
Osamaye said, “We are grateful to the Governor. So far, about 200 women have been empowered, and the next batch will be even larger than this.”