By Toba Ajayi
A non-governmental organisation, Baytul Shihab Initiative, has unveiled a vocational training centre aimed at equipping youths and women in Kwara with practical skills for self-reliance and economic empowerment.
The founder, Hajia Siddyqah Amosa, on Monday in Ilorin, said the centre would offer vocational and financial literacy training to help beneficiaries acquire sustainable livelihoods.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unveiling of the centre formed part of activities marking the fifth anniversary of the organisation.
Amosa, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Kwara Civil Service, said the initiative was established in response to the growing reality that university education alone can no longer guarantee employment in today’s challenging economic environment.
“Baytul Shihab was born out of a deep conviction that, in today’s world, a university degree no longer guarantees stable employment.
“There was a time when obtaining a university degree almost automatically opened doors to government employment, private sector opportunities and multinational organisations.
“However, the current economic reality has made vocational skills and entrepreneurship essential tools for survival and self-reliance,” she said.
She explained that the organisation was founded to empower women, youths and vulnerable persons through skills development, moral education, and community support programmes.
She said the organisation’s activities extended beyond economic empowerment to include Islamic education and support for persons with disabilities.
She disclosed that the organisation also provided scholarships for orphans, marriage counselling services, Ramadan feeding programmes and public enlightenment campaigns.
According to Amosa, empowering women economically and morally will strengthen families and contribute positively to societal development.
She called for greater investment in vocational training and entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to the dwindling opportunities in the formal employment sector.
“When women are empowered, self-aware and morally grounded, they are better positioned to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their families and communities,” she said.
She noted that the vocational training programmes provide beneficiaries with practical skills and starter packs, including sewing machines, make-up kits and soap-making materials, to enable them establish small businesses.
Amosa urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunities offered by the initiative and share the knowledge and skills acquired with others in their communities.
She appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support the initiative through funding, donations and material assistance to enable it reach more vulnerable people.
Also speaking, Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, underscored the importance of vocational training for women and youths.
“We must accept reality as it is. Jobs are no longer readily available; women must embrace vocational training to generate income and support their families,” Ibrahim said.
In a lecture delivered at the event, Dr Kamaldeen Ajijolakeu described the Qur’an as a complete guide for human life.
Ajijolakeu urged Muslims to read and understand the Holy Qur’an, adding that religious leaders must serve as mirrors of society through their conduct and teachings.
He stressed the importance of applying Islamic teachings in daily life just as he called for justice and accountability in the society.
He further stated that individuals involved in banditry and killings would face appropriate punishment in accordance with the principles of justice enshrined in Islamic teachings.
NAN reports that the event featured the unveiling of the vocational training centre and the selection of beneficiaries for various skill acquisition and financial literacy programmes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abujah Racheal/Yetunde Fatungase