The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday inaugurated a skills acquisition centre in the Karu community of the Federal capital Territory.

The centre was established by the Customs Officers` Wives Association.

The initiative, according to the President of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, aims to empower wives of Nigeria Customs Service officers, their families, and members of the host community, to enhance economic prosperity.

In her remarks, the first lady commended COWA for the initiative, emphasising its critical role in contributing to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, she said the establishment of the centre was in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

Mrs Tinubu expressed confidence that the centre would equip COWA members, their families and members of the host communities, with the essential skills needed to navigate the evolving economic landscape.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, lauded the association for establishing the centre, particularly in Karu community.

Mr Adeniyi described the location as strategic, noting that it houses 80 per cent of junior officers.

He added that Karu hosts the flagship of NCS’ corporate social responsibility project which provides medical facilities for members of the host communities.

He noted that the centre was crucial for rewriting the history of women, children, and community development in Nigeria, describing COWA as agents of progress.

He stated, “We imagine that those who will benefit from this centre will help in developing our economy.’’

According to the CG, COWA’s efforts have inspired him to prioritise skills acquisition projects that the NCS is set to embark upon in Seme Border.

The CG said that the initiative aims to empower the families of officers working at the border and members of the surrounding communities.

He thanked the first lady for her vision for women empowerment through the renewed hope initiative which, he said, inspired women to take a cue and conceive various empowerment projects.

He urged officers in the community and environs to take advantage of the centre to acquire essential life skills for their empowerment.

On her part, the COWA president said that the centre was established in line with the renewed hope initiative of Mrs Tinubu aimed at empowering women in Nigeria.

She said, “When women are empowered, they become catalysts for positive change, driving economic growth and fostering a more equitable and just society.’’

She said the centre would serve as a hub of innovation to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the economy.

She added that trainees would discover their potential which would be nurtured to serve as a launching pad for personal and professional growth.

According to Mrs Adeniyi, the ultra-modern facility will offer training in information and communication technology, tailoring and fashion design, shoe and bag making, catering, food spice production, salon services, among others.

She urged COWA members to take advantage of the opportunity to improve themselves, their children and wards with vital skills needed to thrive in today’s highly competitive society. 

(NAN)