Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called on governments and stakeholders to be consistent with strategic approaches to empower girls and women with technology skills and vocational training.

The NGOs include the W2O Foundation and Yield Africa Foundation.

The president of Yield Africa Foundation, Olatunde Martins,  made the call at the Lagos Skills Summit 2024, organised by the NGOs, on Wednesday in Lagos state.

The theme of the summit was: “Empowering Women and Youths Through Vocational Education”.

Mr Martins said that the rise of new technologies, coupled with an increasingly interconnected world, called for a strategic approach to skills development in women.

“It will not only address present needs but also anticipate future demands.

“This event is a testament to our collective belief in the transformative power of skills development and ability to drive sustainable growth for Nigeria and the African continent.

“Between 2019 and 2024, the foundation has directly impacted over 6,500 people through its intervention programmes across different communities, ranging from skills, vocational trainings, medical outreaches and others.

“Together, let us build a skilled workforce for the future,” he said.

Korede Oluwole, executive secretary, W2O Foundation, said that there was still a huge gap in skills acquisition and closing it was very important.

Mr Oluwole added that society celebrates paper degree qualifications.

“Most people in our society pride themselves in only paper degree qualifications instead of adding more skills for self-development.

“We are here to inspire women and young people in Lagos because when you equip the women with skills, you have taken care of the nation,” he said.

Dr Biodun Onayele, permanent secretary, ministry of wealth creation and employment, Lagos state, said: “Today, there are many unemployed graduates in the country.

“This is partly a result of our long system of education that is more of grammar and not much of practical learning.

“It is evident that the highest number of unemployed is found in the African continent.

“The truth remains that the major cause of unemployment among these vibrant youths is a lack of skills to back up what they have learned from their institutions of learning.

“If they have learnt any skill at all, the rate of unemployment will reduce among them,” he said.

Mr Onayele noted that the need to acquire and develop specific entrepreneurial skills could not be neglected because entrepreneurship was vital to creating employment.

Bolaji Cecilia, commissioner for women and poverty alleviation, Lagos state, said that there was a need for women to engage in productive business activities for sustainable livelihood.

Mrs Cecilia was represented by Mariam Adeshiyan, assistant director, administration and human resources of the ministry.

She said there was a need for every woman to learn a skill, to have a plan B, and to become self-reliant, especially in this economy.

“When women are empowered, society, communities and countries grow, which helps to reduce poverty

“Any woman can walk in freely to our offices in 20 locations within Lagos to learn about 20 vocational training.

“The different skill acquisitions include catering, fashion, hairdressing, carpentry and others

“After graduation, we empower all the beneficiaries with working tools such as sewing machines, barber kits, kitchen utensils and others,” she said.
Some dignitaries who were present at the event included Olufunmilayo Eric-Sobukonla, head, MSMES business support, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and   Oluwatoyin Naiwo, registrar/chief executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), among others.

(NAN)