By Abubakar Yusuf
The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs in Nigeria has extended its supports to the federal government empowerment program and Renewed Hope Initiative RHI of Nigerian first lady , Senator Remi Tinubu.
Under the leadership of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the SDGs has commenced distribution to women through partnership with Renewed Hope Initiative RHI of many empowerment items across the six geopolitical zones beginning from the North Central and across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT.
This is in view of mitigating the vulnerable and indigent women in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the 2020-2030 agenda target .
Already, over 500 women of different categories are been empowered beginning with Kogi state and trickled down to Benue , Niger, Kwara, Nasssarawa, Plateau and FCT, totalling 3500 from the North Central.
The empowerment will benefit 18,500 women across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The North central zone is the first to benefit from this program, and the women will be given items such as Deep-chest freezers, Maxi Gas cookers with Ovens, Generators, and Industrial Grinding Machines to start or grow their existing businesses.
Aside expanded Empowerment, SDGs has built 66 skill acquisition centres and transit homes across the country were different vocations will be undergone as well as training.
The Sustainable Development Goals under Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire also provided 4,800 ICT Training centre and facility to support women from redundancy in the country.
“The SSA to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the initiative was a bold step towards empowering Nigerian women across the 36 states and the FCT.”
“She appreciated the first lady for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of women across Nigeria.”
“Orelope-Adefulire stressed that the first lady’s RHI program, has continued to serve as a beacon of empowerment and economic transformation, aligning seamlessly with our national development priorities and the SDGs.”
“Today’s programme is not just about distributing empowerment items; it is about unlocking potential, fostering economic independence and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
“By equipping 500 women per state and the FCT with tools such as gas cookers, generators, deep freezers and grinding machines, we are strengthening their capacity to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to inclusive national development,” she said.
She noted that the OSSAP-SDGs has, over the years, strengthened efforts at empowering women and children including the construction and equipping of 66 Skills Acquisition Centres and Transit Homes for women and girls across the country.
She added: “These were supported with over 4, 800 computers for ICT training.
“This investment reflects our firm belief that when a woman is empowered, a home is built, a community is strengthened, and a nation prospers.
“Indeed, recent evidence has shown that women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Nigerian economic development through employment generation, poverty eradication and basic family support.
“Thus, I encourage our beneficiaries today to make the most of this opportunity.
“Let these empowerment tools serve as stepping stones towards financial independence, business development and sustainable livelihood”.
Orelope-Adefulire reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the achievement of the SDGS in Nigeria.
In her speech, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu stressed that the initiative recognised the critical role women played in nation-building.
This, she said, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment.
She, therefore advised the beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously to start or grow their businesses.
She added: “The items being distributed today are to equip our women with the necessary tools and resources they need to build successful businesses and to contribute to the prosperity of our great nation”.
“To the beneficiaries, let these items serve as a foundation for creating better life for yourselves and your families. I hope and pray that what you receive today will prosper in your hands
Aside mass empowerment of 500 women in each 36 states and FCT, establishment of Entrepreneurial Centre and schools was prioritised in line with SDGs goals and decade of action.
This also led to the establishment of the centre and commissioning of two classrooms in Lafia , Nasssarawa state with a view to reducing Out of School Children OOSC.
While speaking at the occasion, SSAP -SDGs averred ….
“The initiative is one of numerous interventions by OSSAP-SDGs to enhance human capital development and drive socio-economic growth in Nigeria.”
“At this Skills Acquisition Centre, beneficiaries will receive training in a variety of vocational and entrepreneurial skills, including sewing, computer literacy, welding, building trades, photography, and vulcanizing.”
“These skills will empower individuals with the tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy.”
“The 2 blocks of 6 Classrooms is for skills in Painting, tiling, POP, block moulding and setting, interlocking blocks , welding , Aluminum Fabrication, Auto repairs and maintenance, sewing and fashion designing, Barbing & Hairdressing Adult literacy classes , ICT amongst others.”
“Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Lafia, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasized the centre’s role in tackling youth unemployment and enhancing vocational training. ”
“With Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at 8.6%, we must provide innovative and practical solutions. This Skills Acquisition Centre is designed to equip young people with relevant skills in various trades, including sewing, computer literacy, building, welding, photography, and vulcanizing.”
“She commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, OSSAP-SDGs has been able to deliver impactful projects such as this Skills Acquisition Centre, adding that the President’s unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerians through sustainable development initiatives has made the project a reality for the people of Nasarawa.”
“Nasarawa State Governor , , Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, at the event, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe commended the federal government for prioritizing skills development, adding that the initiative aligns with our administration’s commitment to equipping youths with the tools they need to thrive. He noted that it is through such partnerships that they can truly achieve sustainable development in Nasarawa State.”
“The Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, JSC (td), lauded the initiative and called on beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities. He maintained that the young people in the State now have access to modern training facilities that can transform their futures and urged all stakeholders to ensure the facilities are utilized efficiently and sustainably.”
“The Executive Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, Mohammed Haliru Arabo also highlighted the positive impact the centre will have on the local economy. He remarked that by equipping the youths with practical skills, The Local Government will be reducing poverty and fostering entrepreneurship, while adding that the project is a game-changer for Lafia and beyond.”
“Also speaking the Managing Director/CEO of the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr reiterated the importance of vocational training in achieving national economic stability. He opined that education goes beyond the four walls of a classroom and vocational skills provide direct pathways to employment and financial independence. ”
“He commended Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and OSSAP-SDGs for the timely intervention.”
“What this represents is a symbol of peace moving forward in this nation. What this represents is a symbol of joy for many families. Of course, I am only standing here because of the vision of the father of the nation, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, who is determined to ensure that education remains the primary weapon in the fight against poverty and a source of hope for the people of this country. I am honored and delighted to be part of this fight.”
” I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the progress we are witnessing today. I pledge that under my leadership, NELFUND will do everything within its capacity to ensure that this project is an absolute success. This is my commitment.” Sawyerr stated.”
“The newly commissioned centre is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Princess Orelope-Adefulire reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to implementing high-impact interventions, ensuring that “no Nigerian is left behind.”
“With fully furnished classrooms and modern vocational training equipment, the Skills Acquisition Centre in Lafia is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and youth empowerment in the state, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the SDGs.”
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
