Our skills acquisition programmes remain free, says WAPA

THE Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada, has affirmed that all its laudable training initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and engaging the indigent persons across the state, are totally tuition-free for the general public.

Speaking during a press briefing as part of activities marking the two- year stewardship of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, the Commissioner explained that all the ministry’s programmes on short, medium and long- term trainings, are tuition free, urging the general public to report anyone demanding for payment to access any of the training programmes

She said: “We have 20 various vocations, which are targeted at supporting trainees towards the path of self-reliance and financial independence. These trainees, are taught in different skills across the three senatorial districts of the state, with certificates being awarded upon completion to afford the trainees opportunity for internship in various multi-nationals and industries, within the state.”

She said so far, there are over 10,000 graduates produced by government-owned 19 skills acquisition centers, spread around the state in the last two years, restating the ministry’s mandate to ensure that there is zero tolerance for mediocrity, Poverty and idleness especially among women.

She disclosed that WAPA did not only limit the scope of its engagement to women alone but also indigents and the vulnerable members of the public , in general.

The Commissioner said: “Our children are our future, a brighter tomorrow from what we see today. As a result, we realized that good parenting remains the foundation for a progressive society. A well-trained child, grows up to become a formidable adult. WAPA in this view, organised a training programme for 200 parents in August 2020, which focus was on human trafficking enlightenment and how to curb the menace. We want a productive society, directed at uplifting best practices for progress. 

“We also realized that domestic violence is taking its toll on our societal values and thus requires concerted efforts to ensure all strategies are being put- up to curb such menace. WAPA in the 4th quarter of 2020, marked 16 days of activism with 2500 participants in attendance,” the Commissioner enumerated.

While describing the experiences of women in toxic relationships, Dada informed that strategies have been sought for sensitization programmes such as the International Day of Depression which had 500 participants, at the flag – off campaign.

While saying that over 1,450 women were given a sum of N20,000 each as livelihood support in the Year 2020, the Commissioner revealed that another 1,500 women will be benefiting from the same gesture next month, June 2021,  which is the International Widows Day.