The Ekiti State Government has empowered 37 graduates of its Second Chance Education programme with start-up equipment and financial support under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment. The beneficiaries, made up of fashion designers and hairdressers, received their items during a graduation ceremony held at the Aduni Olayinka Building in Ado-Ekiti. At the event, the Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, presented 24 sewing machines, 13 hair-drying machines, certificates of completion, and ₦20,000 cash to each participant.
Dr. Oyebanji reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing unemployment through skills acquisition and economic empowerment. She encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the support given to them, saying, “I urge all of you to view these items not as giveaways but as tools of enterprise meant to create value, inspire dignity, and foster independence.” She noted that a monitoring and mentorship framework has been established to ensure the graduates continue to apply their skills and grow their businesses. Urging them to approach the future with courage, she added, “Let your work speak of discipline; let your success speak of integrity. You are proof that education never ends and that missed opportunities do not have to define the future.”
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye, explained that the one-year programme provided participants with both foundational education and practical vocational training. She highlighted the importance of combining classroom learning with hands-on skills to help women and girls improve their economic prospects.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, described the graduation of the pioneering cohort as a clear sign that the policies of the present administration in human capital and youth development were achieving meaningful results. He commended the perseverance of participants and urged them to develop themselves into brands of excellence in their chosen fields.
Also giving goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, and the Head of Service, Dr. Folake Olomojobi, encouraged the women to build on their newly acquired skills and stay productive as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Motunrayo Ologunja expressed gratitude to the state government and the AGILE Project for providing women and girls with renewed hope and meaningful opportunities. She described the empowerment as a major step toward helping many participants become self-reliant.
