Nigeria: 200 Women Graduate With Tech and Business Skills

When you have no job and no clear path forward, six months can change everything.

That's exactly what happened for 200 women in Ondo State, Nigeria, who just graduated from the O'Datiwa Skill Acquisition Programme. The state government offered them free training in information and communication technology, tailoring, soap making, catering, and interior decoration.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa launched the program to tackle poverty by giving women real skills instead of handouts. His message at Tuesday's graduation ceremony was clear: this is just the beginning.

"Today, we celebrate transformation," Aiyedatiwa told the graduates through his deputy. "You've moved from unemployed to skilled, confident, and empowered women ready to contribute to our state's economy."

The women spent six months in rigorous training at the Ministry of Women Affairs Skills Acquisition Centre. Now they're walking away with more than certificates. Each graduate received the actual tools and equipment needed to launch their businesses right away.

Commissioner Seun Osamaye described how many of these women arrived feeling shattered and hopeless. They had no meaningful way to earn money and support their families.

"The Ondo State government has proved to the world that women don't need feeding money or tokenism but empowerment to be self-reliant," Osamaye said. She emphasized that real empowerment builds not just individual futures but entire generations.

The Ripple Effect

The governor challenged each graduate to think bigger than finding a job. He wants them to become job creators who start small businesses, offer quality services, and take pride in their work.

When 200 women gain the ability to earn steady income, the impact spreads far beyond their own lives. Their children eat better, stay in school longer, and see a model of what's possible. Their communities gain new services and stronger local economies.

The best part? This isn't a one-time event. Governor Aiyedatiwa promised the training would continue, creating wave after wave of newly skilled entrepreneurs across the state.

These 200 women are proof that when government creates the platform and citizens show up with commitment, transformation happens.