By Dada AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to skills development and economic empowerment as 80 beneficiaries graduated from the GIZ-ZME Reintegration Support Programme.
The government said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to empower women, youths, and vulnerable persons through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development, and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods and social reintegration.
The assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah,.
The commissioner goodwill message was delivered on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, at the graduation ceremony of beneficiaries of the Reintegration Support Trainings facilitated through the partnership and intervention of GIZ-ZME Nigeria.
The Commissioner described the event as more than a graduation ceremony, saying it was “a celebration of resilience, empowerment, renewed hope and deliberate investment in human capacity development.”
She noted that the successful training of beneficiaries in vocational and entrepreneurial skills represents a significant step towards building self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods, stressing that the Edo State Government recognizes that one of the most effective ways to drive sustainable development and reduce economic vulnerability is through deliberate investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship development and support for business start-ups.
Hon. Abdallah stated that equipping individuals with practical skills and providing them with the necessary start-up support promotes financial independence while contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction, job creation and community development.
She further emphasized that through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Edo State Government remains fully committed to supporting initiatives and strategic partnerships that empower women, youths and vulnerable individuals with opportunities for economic advancement and social reintegration.
According to the Commissioner, programmes such as the GIZ-ZME Reintegration Support Training align strongly with the government’s broader commitment to strengthening social protection, improving livelihoods and ensuring that vulnerable members of society are equipped with the tools needed to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, commended GIZ-ZME Nigeria for the initiative, noting that it would encourage beneficiaries to remain in Nigeria by providing them with sustainable means of livelihood instead of embarking on irregular migration in search of greener pastures.
He also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for his efforts in tackling insecurity across the state, noting that improved security has created a conducive environment for lives, businesses and investments to thrive.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the skills acquired, citing the example of a successful food vendor who started with just one thousand naira and grew into a household name.
Earlier, the Programme Component Manager of GIZ-ZME Nigeria, Eseosa Okuku, disclosed that a total of 80 beneficiaries completed a 25-day vocational training programme in Hair Dressing and Wig Making, Curtain, Duvet and Bedspread Making, Pastries and Finger Food Production, and Hair Barbing.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates and start-up packages to the beneficiaries to support them in establishing sustainable businesses.
