Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), a pet project of Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the Wife of the Lagos State Governor, has commenced.
The two-day entrepreneurial training programme kicked off at its Oregun office for youths, between 15 to 34 years as part of the celebration of the 2017 International Youth Day.
The programme, which entails the teaching of entrepreneurship, had more than 80 participants trained in baking technology, piggery, fish, grass cutter, mushroom, poultry, snail and vegetable farming as part of efforts to channel the focus of the youths to skill acquisition for sustainable self-employment.
Commenting on this year’s International Youth Day celebration, founder of HOFOWEM, Mrs. Ambode, observed that concerted effort was needed, to empower the teeming youths with relevant skills, to put them in a position to generate steady income for themselves.
She contended that it had become necessary to explore practical ways of generating viable employment for the vibrant and job-hungry youths that are different from the attention on white-collar jobs.
She said:
“When you have a skill, it helps you to employ yourself and when you employ yourself, you enjoy the freedom and peace of mind to drive your own business. And if you are committed and hardworking enough, you will grow your business to such levels that you make more money than you can ever earn as salary from any employer. This is why we are laying this platform for our youths in Lagos State’.
According to her,
“I am very passionate and optimistic about a better tomorrow. It is achievable. It is doable. I urge you to put to good use all you have learned. Congratulations and see you at the top.”
Mrs. Ambode who described the programme as a pilot one for the youths promised that such skill acquisition training would be organized in future for their benefit.
She said
“In commemoration of this Year’s International Youth Day which comes up on 12th August every year, the founder of HOFOWEM and wife the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has approved this entrepreneurship training programme to empower youths with various skills that appeal to their passion from which they can be financially independent as entrepreneurs rather than waiting endlessly for a white-collar job’.
She noted that just as the mission of the NGO was to touch and transform the lives of less privileged persons for sustainable living, she urged the youths to use the opportunity to transform their lives permanently for good.
Some youths who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked Mrs. Ambode for her kindness and passion for improving the welfare of youths in the State, promising that they would not disappoint her but make the best use of the opportunity presented to them.
Recall that August 12 every year is set aside by the United Nations as International Youth Day, to examine the welfare of youths around the world and explore ways of improving it.