By Prosper Mene
In taking step towards promoting women’s economic independence and poverty reduction, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has empowered 200 women with vocational tools and startup resources following their successful completion of skill acquisition training.
The initiative, part of the O’Datiwa Skill Up a Woman Initiative (also referred to as O’Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme), culminated in a graduation ceremony for the first batch of 2025 trainees held in Akure on Tuesday. The beneficiaries underwent six months of intensive training in various trades, equipping them with practical skills to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
The training covered diverse areas, including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tailoring (fashion designing), soap making, catering services (including confectionaries and baking), interior decoration, and other vocational skills. To ensure immediate application of their newly acquired expertise, the state government presented the graduates with relevant startup tools and equipment. These included laptops for ICT trainees, sewing machines for fashion designers, flour mixers and ovens for bakers and caterers, as well as grants for some participants to serve as startup capital.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented at the event, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to expanding skill acquisition programmes as a key strategy for job creation and economic empowerment, particularly among women. He emphasized that the programme transforms unemployed individuals into skilled, confident, and self-sustaining entrepreneurs, aligning with broader goals of poverty alleviation and gender equality.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Osamaye, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative. She noted that the government has demonstrated that women require genuine empowerment, through skills and resources, rather than mere handouts or tokenism. “Women are multipliers with the ability to invest wisely when empowered,” she stated, adding that the 200 beneficiaries can now sustain themselves and contribute to building future generations without facing ridicule or dependency.
This empowerment drive shows Governor Aiyedatiwa’s people-centered “OUR EASE” policy thrust, which prioritizes inclusive development, youth and women engagement, and sustainable livelihoods. The programme is expected to boost local economies by enabling participants to establish small businesses, generate income, and support their families.

















