The wife of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has empowered 55 women in tailoring across the thirty-three local government areas in the state.
This initiative, facilitated through her Omituntun For Life Foundation and Voda Information Management Limited, provided the selected women with basic tailoring materials, sewing machines, and a startup capital of ₦150,000 each.
At the event, Mrs. Makinde expressed her delight, saying, “I am thrilled to see the impressive display of hard work all around us this morning. The dresses, the Iro and Buba, all sewn by our beneficiaries, are a testament to your dedication and progress.”
The program, which spanned two and a half weeks, aimed to equip the most vulnerable women in the state with valuable tailoring skills.
Mrs. Makinde noted, “It is with immense joy that I stand here today at the closing ceremony of the tailoring training and empowerment program. Your unwavering commitment is truly admirable and has brought fulfillment to the purpose of this training.”
Highlighting the importance of continuous learning, she encouraged the participants, saying, “I encourage you all to keep learning, keep practicing, build on the skills you have learned in the past two and a half weeks, and keep pushing to be the better versions of yourselves. Of course, there will be challenges along the way, but once you are focused and determined, you will overcome them.”
In conclusion, Mrs. Makinde congratulated the trainees, urging them to be bold and creative in utilizing their newfound skills.
“Go forth, be bold, be creative, and use your newfound skills to make your dreams a reality,” she said.
The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubumni Oni, also remarked on the significance of the program, stating, “This tailoring empowerment program is a tremendous relief to the masses. It provides our most vulnerable women with the means to achieve success through skills like tailoring.”
Commissioner of Works, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin, applauded the initiative, emphasizing, “Empowering women through skills acquisition is a vital step towards sustainable development. This program not only equips women with practical skills but also instills in them a sense of pride and independence.”
Mr. Deji Akinniranye of Voda Management Limited highlighted the vision behind the initiative.
He said: “The vision to empower women through this program is truly commendable. By providing them with the tools and knowledge they need, we are helping them secure a better future for themselves and their families.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Mr. Segun Olayiwola from the Ministry of Establishment and Training; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Balogun; Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, among other guests.
