Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has said the new Bwari Women Skills Acquisition Centre will be a vital resource that will serve as a beacon of opportunity for countless women in Abuja.
The Mandate Secretary, represented by Jose Mudashiru, revealed this at the Commissioning Ceremony of the Helpline Social Support Initiative Women Skills Acquisition and Processing Centre. Barongoni Community, Bwari, Abuja.
She said the commissioning, which part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations, presents an opportunity to show her committment to supporting initiatives that empower women through education and skills development.
“‘Skills acquisition is not merely about learning a trade; it is about fostering confidence, independence, and resilience. When women are equipped with skills, they gain the ability to support themselves and their families, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the economy”, the Secretary said.
Founder and President, Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, at the event, said the new centre, henceforth tagged ‘Garri Plaza’, is one of many such centers in all the six area councils of the FCT.
Represented by Jane Chinwe Williams, she said that empowering women is not just a moral obligation “it is a catalyst for social and economic progress. When we nurture the potential of women, we ultimately uplift families, communities, and entire nations” .
Dr. Jumai said the centre, comprising about 50 women, will be a sanctuary of learning and growth, equipped with the resources needed for our women to thrive, and where they will discover new skills, gain confidence, and prepare to contribute meaningfully to society.
In her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Rebecca Usman, who commissioned the center, said the skills centre represents a symbol of hope for women, and is a sanctuary where women can harness their skills and build sustainable livelihoods because women are the backbone of the community.
She said the process of producing garri involves purchasing cassava from the the market and leaving it in sacks for about two days or more, then the cassava is grinded in machine before it is fried and then properly packaged.
Representative of the Minister of Women Affairs at the occasion, Festus Bakpet, said the skills centre is a noble idea and is in tandem with the ministry of women affairs and the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.
Wife of the Etsu of Bwari, Susan Danlami, who graced the occasion, commended the initiative and tenacity of the builders of the centre which she described as a platform for entrepreneurship and encouraged women to embrace the opportunity it offers and to support one another.
She said when women are equipped with skills they get ability to support themselves and their families, they break the circle of poverty and contribute to the economy, it is a transformative process that can lift entire communities.
Some of the over 25 women who were present at the commissioning of the skill centre, who also spoke, commended Helpline Social Support Initiative for their effort in establishing the centre and said they would contribute their best to see to its success.
