Aiyedatiwa: Our Goal is to Reduce Unemployment, Eradicate Poverty, Build Self-Reliant Economy

Fidelis David in Akure                     

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday declared that the overarching goal of his administration is to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy through sustained investment in skills acquisition and human capital development.

The governor stated this at the graduation ceremony and presentation of empowerment materials to 200 women as first batch of 2025 graduating trainees of the ‘O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative’, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure.

Aiyedatiwa who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Olaide Adelami the state government will continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of training centres and strengthen partnerships for apprenticeship and job placement across the state.

“Going forward, this administration will continue to expand skills acquisition programmes, ensure regular monitoring of the training centres and strengthen partnerships where necessary for apprenticeship and job placement.

“Our goal is simple: to reduce unemployment, eradicate poverty and build a vibrant, self-reliant economy,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Describing the event as more than a graduation ceremony, the Governor said it symbolised the transformation of the beneficiaries from unemployed individuals into skilled, confident and empowered women capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.

“Today, we gather not just to celebrate certificates, but to celebrate transformation, the transformation of our graduands from unemployed folks into skilled, confident and empowered women ready to contribute to the economy of our dear State,” he stressed.

The governor explained the women had undergone six months of intensive training in tailoring, interior decoration, soap making, catering and information and communication technology (ICT) at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre.

“Each graduate received empowerment kits tailored to their acquired skills, including sewing machines, laptops, ovens, mixers and cash grants for those trained in soap making and interior decoration.”

Commending the commitment and sacrifices of the trainees, Aiyedatiwa noted that many of them endured personal inconveniences to complete the programme.

“Some of you walked long distances, some left behind jobs or personal engagements, all to be present in class during the training sessions. These sacrifices deserve to be acknowledged and honoured,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa assured that the O’Datiwa Skill-Up a Woman Initiative would be sustained beyond the current batch, urging the graduates to see the empowerment materials as a foundation for entrepreneurship rather than an end in itself.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, described the ceremony as a practical demonstration of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to women empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

“Today’s graduation ceremony of the 2025 first batch of the Skill Acquisition Training is a testament to the governor’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and improving the livelihoods of women through concrete action.

“From fashion designing and soap making to interior decoration, catering and ICT, these women are going home with sewing machines, laptops, mixers and, for some, cash start-up grants to make them financially independent,” she said.

Osamaye disclosed that about 200 women selected from across the 18 council areas benefited from the first batch, assuring that subsequent batches would be larger. “We have done about 200 now, and the next batch will be more than this. We are grateful to the governor,” Osamaye added.