Two hundred indigenes of Ekiti State who were trained in various skills under the United Nations Development Programme UNDP and Board for Technical and Vocational Education skill acquisition programme have received start up equipment.
The beneficiaries whose training started in July last year were trained in various skills such as fashion designing, catering services, barbing and hairdressing, welding and fabrication among others received tools that could help to start their trade immediately.
In his welcome address at the graduation and presentation of the start up equipment to the beneficiaries held at the Government Technical College Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman, Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Ekiti State, Pastor Kayode Babade appreciated the sponsors of the programme for counting Ekiti State worthy to benefit from the programme.
Pastor Babade warned the trainees against selling the equipment given to them, saying they would be monitored periodically to assess their performances.
The Team Lead, Governance, Peace and Security, UNDP, Mr. Mathew Alao said the empowerment scheme was funded by the Government of Norway and UNDP in collaboration with Ekiti State Government to reduce unemployment, prevent conflict and ensure Peace building.
Mr. Alao admonished the beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the starter packs, while imploring the state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders to provide the necessary assistance to them to be successful in their respective trades.
In their goodwill messages, the Leader of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Femi Ajayi and the Director General, Office of Transformation, Professor Mobolaji Aluko appreciated Governor Kayode Fayemi for facilitating the programme to the state.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Alade Adeoba and Mrs. Ajayi Folasade thanked the facilitators of the skill acquisition for embarking on such life changing programme.
