She made this known during the graduation ceremony of the maiden edition of the NOWA’s skill acquisition programme which saw 21 students trained in various entrepreneurial skills.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the 21 graduates had undergone intensive trainings on various skills such as fashion designing, catering services, among others, within the past few months.
Addressing the graduands at the ceremony, which took place at the barracks of the Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state, Gambo, who was the special guest of honour at the event, noted that the cardinal objective of the association was to maximise the potentials of the people through entrepreneurial skills.
She was represented by Mrs Juwaira Garuba who said investment in vocational skills was vital to addressing the unemployment rates and its attendant consequences in the society.
While underscoring the importance of skill acquisition, Gambo said that vocational training could not be wished away particularly at a time that unemployment was becoming a global issue.
The wife of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo observed that the impact of unemployment was prevalent among youths particularly the female folks.
She said, “I will like to thank Almighty Allah for making this day a reality as NOWA strives to empower women to be more productive and self-reliant through creation of income-earning opportunities for attainment of sustainable livelihood.
“No doubt, the prevalence of unemployment to an extent breeds insecurity including trafficking among other vices.
“Undeniably, one of the ways to ameliorate this challenge is to invest in entrepreneurship programmes that will maximise potentials through skill acquisition for self-reliance,” she said.
Gambo said that the association would continue to strive in ensuring the empowerment of youths, orphans and widows within its resources for self-reliance and sustenance.
She thanked the NOWA Zonal Coordinator, Oghara chapter, Mrs Rhoda Olotu, the Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu for ensuring the seamless running of the skill acquisition centre.
Gambo also commended the graduands as well as the facilitators and Instructors for working assiduously towards achieving the Association’s objectives.
In her address of welcome, Mrs Olotu, the NOWA Zonal Coordinator, Oghara chapter said the skill acquisition centre which was established in 2021 has recorded remarkable progress in terms of staffing, equipment and training programmes.
“This is to encourage more youths within our immediate environment to participate in the programmes provided by the Centre and to became seasoned entrepreneurs to support their livelihoods,” she said.
One of the graduands, Mrs Hassan Maryam who learnt fashion designing thanked NOWA and the Nigerian Navy for the privilege to learn the skill.
Maryam, who is also a lawyer, said she would combine both professions to better her life and those around her.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students as well as awards to some deserving graduands.
The event was attended by representatives from the academia, Police, Navy, traditional rulers from Oghara Kingdom, among other dignitaries.
