Bolanle Ambode Tasks Youths At Nafowa Empowerment Programme

Youths and others in the country have been advised to acquire skills for succor and hope of sustainable engagement for financial empowerment.

The advice came from Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, wife of the governor of Lagos State during the closing/graduation ceremony of the skill acquisition and vocational programme, organized by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), at the Sam Ethan Air Force base, ikeja.

Addressing the youths and other graduands, Mrs. Ambode noted that, the country could not shy away from issues of unemployment and under-employment, like any other developing country, despite determined efforts of governments at all levels.

She said, “The best thing that can happen to our youths and others in need of jobs is to acquire skills, that brings succor and hope of sustainable engagement for regular income”.

Speaking further, Bolanle noted that gainful employment was not limited to wage paying jobs alone, as skills acquired could also guarantee regular income, stressing that being empowered with a skill was, capable of transforming the life of anyone.

She commended NAFOWA’s commitment and vision to the cause of humanity, which she noted centered around making life more meaningful for the less priviledged, especially women and children.

Mrs. Ambode appealed to the beneficiaries to see the opportunity as a golden one, capable of turning things around for their permanent good and lasting enjoyment.

Earlier in her welcome address, the president of NAFOWA, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar, described the empowerment programme as another major achievement for the association.

She disclosed that part of the association’s community service obligation, was to develop a skill acquisition and vocational training programme, targeted at women, widows and youths in the barracks and surrounding communities.

According to her, this was done as part of their contribution towards complimenting federal government’s effort at curbing unemployment among youths, appealing that the graduands be encouraged, patronized and supported to break grounds.

Also speaking, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Baba Abubakar, commended NAFOWA for contributing to the growth of the nation by empowering the youths and others, thereby putting smiles on the faces of the less priviledged.

He urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the skills acquired to chart a new course for themselves and add value to the society.

No fewer than 150 participants, 70 youths and 80 women, benefitted from the empowerment programme.