The member representing the Ojo Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, Seyi Sowunmi, on Saturday, urged youths to acquire skills to become self-reliant and combat poverty.

Mr Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Labour Party, gave the charge at the flag-off of the Ojo Constituency Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) programme aimed at empowering youths with skills.

The programme, a continuation of the Ojo Girls in STEM 2.0 held in 2025, focuses on building the capacity of the girl child.

The programme, designed to equip participants with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance, provides monthly stipends for six months during the training.

It also awards certificates and starter packs upon graduation and access to grants and business loans.

The centre, which targets girls in public schools and offers training in catering, tailoring, hairdressing, body massage, phone repairs, and computer/ICT skills, is situated in the Era Ojo area.

Speaking at the event, which was attended by students, party faithful and community leaders, Mr Sowunmi described skill acquisition as a vehicle for well-being.

He urged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity and learn the necessary skills to become self-reliant and able to contribute to family and societal stability.

According to him, the ICT centre of the programme is intended to keep students abreast of the skills required to excel in computer-based tests (CBT), which have become mandatory for examinations such as JAMB, SSCE, and others.

He added that with relevant skills, girls would no longer fall prey to behaviours that could cut short their dreams at a young age.

Also speaking at the event, one of the programme facilitators, Amina Lawal, said the programme focused on the girl child because they were the most vulnerable.

Ms Lawal explained that girls aged 14 to 16 were prone to mistakes that could ruin their futures; hence, equipping them with skills at that age would help keep them focused and enhance their stability.

One of the participants, Perpeture Emmanuel, an SS2 student of Iba Housing Estate Secondary School, said she had a flair for make-up and hoped to acquire the skill to pursue her dream of becoming a make-up artist.

(NAN)