The Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has said a skill empowered generation will produce a ripple effect of employed generation in the nearest future.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 4th batch of DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Center (DSAC), Olonisakin stressed that a skilled empowered generation would help to combat unemployment and lack of peace.
The Chief of Defence who was represented by Commodore O.C Obenta, enlisted enhanced economy, self independence, diverse job placements, peace and order among others as key benefits of empowering youths and women with skill acquisition.
DSAC is run by the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), a non-governmental organisation which compliments both directly and indirectly, the welfare of programmes of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police for the barracks community and her environs.
In her address, Mrs. Omobolande Olonisakin, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff and President of DEPOWA said empowerment is crucial as it develops a country and adds to human development.
She added that out of the 32 graduates, 14 are widows of fallen heroes who fought for the peace and unity of the country, adding that the empowerment program will keep touching the lives of not only the widows but the country at large.
“For DEPOWA to have graduated its 4th set from its existence in 2015 gives us the assurance that we are keeping pace with our track records of developing humanity and indeed the less privilege in our society with particular emphasis on the widows of our fallen heroes.
“This will help to empower Nigeria as a whole, thereby contributing to human development and national development.” She said.
The graduates who were trained for six months were each given a starter pack in their various areas of skill acquisition and financial assistance to secure a shop to start up their own businesses.
Omobolande further charged the graduates to put to use the knowledge they have acquired as the skills learnt are opportunities to secure their future and in the process create jobs and livelihood for others.
