Ilorin: A non-governmental organisation, Baytul Shihab Initiative, has unveiled a vocational training centre aimed at equipping youths and women in Kwara with practical skills for self-reliance and economic empowerment. The founder, Hajia Siddyqah Amosa, announced the launch on Monday, stating the centre’s focus would be on providing vocational and financial literacy training to enable beneficiaries to acquire sustainable livelihoods.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the unveiling of the centre was part of the activities marking the fifth anniversary of the organisation. Amosa, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Kwara Civil Service, emphasized that the initiative was established in response to the growing reality that university education alone can no longer guarantee employment in today’s challenging economic environment. She noted that while a university degree was once a gateway to employment, the current economic conditions necessitate vocational skills and entrepreneurship for survival and self-reliance.
Amosa explained that the organisation was founded to empower women, youths, and vulnerable persons through skills development, moral education, and community support programmes. The activities of the organisation extend beyond economic empowerment to include Islamic education and support for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the organisation provides scholarships for orphans, marriage counselling services, Ramadan feeding programmes, and public enlightenment campaigns.
Amosa highlighted that empowering women economically and morally will strengthen families and contribute positively to societal development. She called for greater investment in vocational training and entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to dwindling opportunities in the formal employment sector. She emphasized that empowered women are better positioned to succeed and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.
The vocational training programmes offer beneficiaries practical skills and starter packs, such as sewing machines, make-up kits, and soap-making materials, to help them establish small businesses. Amosa encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities offered by the initiative and to share the knowledge and skills acquired with others in their communities. She also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, and development partners to support the initiative through funding, donations, and material assistance to reach more vulnerable people.
Hajia Afusat Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, underscored the importance of vocational training for women and youths. She stated that as jobs are no longer readily available, women must embrace vocational training to generate income and support their families.
In a lecture at the event, Dr Kamaldeen Ajijolakeu described the Qur’an as a complete guide for human life and urged Muslims to read and understand it. He emphasized that religious leaders must serve as mirrors of society through their conduct and teachings, advocating for justice and accountability. He stated that individuals involved in banditry and killings would face appropriate punishment according to the principles of justice in Islamic teachings.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured the unveiling of the vocational training centre and the selection of beneficiaries for various skill acquisition and financial literacy programmes.