By Jumoke Olaitan
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has empowered 50 graduates of the Igarra Community Learning Centre in Edo with vocational equipment to help them establish businesses.
The Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Edeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the commission’s spokesperson, Issa Marughu.
Edeh said the empowerment was organised by NMEC through its Department of Literacy and Development in conjunction with the Vocational and Continuing Education Department.
He said the event also featured the presentation of certificates to the graduates trained in fashion designing, catering and event management, hairdressing and local weaving.
He said the initiative was part of the commission’s commitment to promoting vocational education and creating sustainable livelihoods through skills acquisition.
He also commended the traditional institution, the Igarra Community Development Initiative and residents of the community for sustaining the learning centre.
He said that although NMEC had established 12 Community Learning Centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones, the Igarra centre remained the only one operating effectively.
According to him, the centre serves the entire southern region and not only the Igarra community.
The acting executive secretary urged members of the public to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the centre, while advising beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment.
He said the commission would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that the starter packs were used for their intended purposes.
The Coordinator of the Igarra Community Learning Centre, Mrs Ahmadu Lamin, appreciated NMEC and the community for their continued support.
Lamin also commended the consistent contributions of the centre to the growth and development of Nigerian youths.
On his part, the President of ICDI, Mr Michael Okara, said the centre, commissioned in 2017, was revived in 2025 through a partnership between the community and NMEC after years of inactivity.
Okara spoke on a lecture titled, “Skills for Self-Reliance: Empowering Communities Through Vocational Training.”
He urged the graduates to value the skills they had acquired, describing them as enduring assets capable of guaranteeing sustainable livelihoods.
“A certificate is good, but a skill is better because a skill cannot be stolen or retrenched,” he said.
Also speaking, the Oshimidase of Igarra, His Royal Highness Otu Baja, lauded the Federal Government and NMEC for sustaining the initiative.
He said the learning centre had created opportunities for youths and women, reduced unemployment and contributed to community development.
The traditional ruler urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment to establish businesses, create jobs and train others in their chosen trades.
Outstanding graduates received empowerment items, including sewing machines, industrial ovens, complete hairdressing salon equipment, ring lights and other vocational tools.
The event also featured practical demonstrations by the graduates, while trainees from the local weaving department presented a handwoven Aso-Oke fabric to the acting executive secretary in appreciation of NMEC’s support. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi