Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of the Ondo State Governor, has revealed that over 3,000 schoolgirls have been empowered to be self-sufficient via vocational training during holidays.
She stated that the girls had received training in information and communication technology as well as solar-powered equipment during the previous six years.
Mrs Akeredolu made the remarks on Saturday during the concluding ceremony of the 2023 Bemore Summer Booth Camp for Girls in Akure, the Ondo State capital. For two weeks, the girls were camped and trained.
She emphasised the need to use education as a weapon of empowerment in order to break “the crafted helpless mentality in the girl child early on,” noting that educating girls should be a priority in any society that wants to see progress and a developed economy.
The Ondo First Lady further stated that the programme has given the girls an advantage and possibilities that most girls around the world do not have.
She stated:
“Over the years, we have built incredible talents in solar technology, ICT and nurtured a culture of entrepreneurial adventure. And as we build, we give them out as bricks for building a virile, fair and gender-balanced society
“Having built over 3,000 vibrant young women who are making waves on different fronts around the world, it is only ideal to build for these geniuses a place they all can call a home; a befitting edifice where the generations of Bemore girls would freely meet, interact and make things happen.”
She urged well-meaning Nigerians and groups to assist the initiative as it starts on a mission to construct a suitable structure for the training and development of girls.
Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state’s acting governor, praised Mrs Akeredolu for her effort. He encouraged the girls to apply what they had learned throughout the two weeks of training to make a difference in the world.
According to Ayedatiwa :
“The transformation has not only fortified you to aim higher, you are also sufficiently empowered to own your future. We rejoice with you over this huge turning point in your lives; your voice must be heard louder and you must go out to represent your gender creditably in all facets of life.
“What you have been offered here is a world-class opportunity that can stand you side by side with your contemporaries across the globe. Never again must you succumb to gender discrimination, religious/cultural biases, inferiority complex and other forms of gender stereotypes.
“This intensive training must be nurturing to your willpower to put into practice all that you have learnt and gained during this period.”
cc: Punch Ng
