Delta Girl-Child Empowerment Scheme Solution to Gender Discrimination, Poverty, Says Okowa
- Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has reiterated his government's commitment to empowering the girl-child in Delta state
- The governor also promised that his government will continue to strive to break new frontiers in its quest to empower the girl-child
- Governor Okowa made the promise at the 2021/2022 Girls' Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme in Asaba
Asaba - Delta governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, March 10 said his administration’s passion for girl-child empowerment was predicated on the need to break away from issues of gender discrimination, poverty, and low self-esteem among young women.
He stated this at the graduation of beneficiaries of the 2021/2022 Girls' Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (Project GEST) at the Events Centre, Asaba.
Source: Facebook
The governor said that empowerment of the girl-child was essentially to uplift the economic and social status of traditionally under-privileged girls in society, noting that empowerment of the girl-child from ages 18 to 30 had become a major public policy issue.
His words:
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“Six months ago, the second cycle of trainees under the Girls’ Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (GEST) commenced.
“It gives me great pleasure today to witness their inauguration into the world of business and entrepreneurship.
“It is instructive that this event is taking place 48 hours after the 2022 International Women’s Day, with the theme `Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow’.
“The focus is on how to “Break the Bias” that women face every day in the global marketplace and thereby accelerate gender parity, equality, inclusion, and diversity.
“Today, as we resource and unleash 814 young women into the business world, we can beat our chests that this administration is recording significant milestones in breaking the bias against women in business.”
Okowa urged the beneficiaries to break free from the mindset of mediocrity, advising that to excel in the marketplace, they must make quality products and excellent service delivery their unique selling points.
He stressed that self-belief and self-confidence were essential prerequisites for success in business and that no prospective client would deal with a businessperson that was unsure of herself or her product.
He commended the Project GEST team for its commitment to the programme, saying he is pleased with their zeal, passion, and dedication to duty.
The wife of the governor, Dame Edith Okowa said the beneficiaries were successful because of the grace of God upon their lives and urged them to remain resilient and ensure absolute integrity in carrying out their enterprise.
Special Guest of Honour and Chief Executive Officer, House-of-Tara, Mrs. Tara Fela-Durotoye, said the beneficiaries were true champions for enduring through tough times the training to emerge victorious in their chosen careers.
She urged the beneficiaries to build their businesses to last by leaving a lasting impression in the minds of their customers.
Earlier in her welcome address, senior special assistant to the governor on girl-child empowerment, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, had said that the second cycle known as the "Magnificent 900" scaled through the process maintained focus and crossed the finish line.
She stated that the Project GEST had continued to change the story of so many young girls in Delta by making them well-trained entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to confront current economic challenges.
The graduands from the second cycle were trained in 10 skills areas namely Photography, Videography, ICT (Website Development & Graphics Design), Baking/ Confectioneries, Leatherworks, Professional Cleaning Services, Disc Jockey, Fashion Design, Hairdressing, and Make-up.
Delta state to partner manufacturers on entrepreneurship development
Recall that the Delta state government last year, expressed readiness to partner with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in developing youths in the state with skills and entrepreneurship development.
Governor Okowa stated his government’s intention when he received on a courtesy visit, the executive members of Edo/Delta chapter of the association at Government House, Asaba.
He commended the group for its contributions to the economic development of the state and assured them that his administration would partner with MAN to train youths in the state on relevant skills.
Delta youths making difference in nation’s economy, says Governor Okowa
In a related development, Governor Okowa has said youths in the state were making a remarkable difference in the economic development of communities, state and country.
Okowa stated this at the flag-off of the second cycle of the Rural Youth Skill Acquisition (RYSA) programme held at the National Youths Service Corps Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North local government area of the state.
He said that RYSA second cycle tagged “Making a Difference” was imperative as Delta youths were poised to change the narrative about the youths in the country, and particularly the state.
Source: Legit.ng
