By Gloria Osemudiamhen
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, has emphasized the importance of acquiring skills as a rapid pathway to wealth creation.
Mrs. Anani made the assertion at the Graduation Ceremony of 400 youths, who were trained in Solar Panel Installation, Inverter Repair, Plumbing, Air Conditioner Repair, Event Management, and Corporate Event Catering, as organized by the GIZ Centre for Migration and Development (ZME) programme at the G.R.A in Benin City. She noted that many millionaires are entrepreneurs, rather than government employees.
According to Mrs. Anani, “Today, I want to tell you that this is a seed that you have in your hands that will grow and multiply. From here, you can become millionaires. From here, you’ll be a blessing not just to yourself but to your generations. I always tell people that the skills that make people millionaires are the ones that bring in money.
“We’re not just saying get a white-collar job. Education is extremely important to me, but beyond that, you must learn a skill. Harness it, sustain it, and pursue it. Know that what you have is a creation of wealth. I urge and plead with you today to sustain what you have and grow it. Because millionaires are entrepreneurs, they’re not government workers.”
Mrs. Anani reiterated the State Government’s commitment to prioritizing development and empowerment through the SHINE Agenda and providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. She said, “On the part of the Government, His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, is focused on development, particularly human capital development. A country cannot develop if its people are not empowered. In this administration, we’re committed to empowerment. The Government will provide an enabling environment for your businesses to thrive.
“You may be wondering what the SHINE Agenda is, she retorted; S – stands for Security, H – Health, I- Infrastructure, N – Natural Resources and E Education and Empowerment. The Government is passionate about empowerment. Whenever you have the opportunity to enhance yourself in any field, please grab it.”
The State Coordinator of GIZ-ZME, Barr. Eseosa Okuku noted that the Programme is an advanced training initiative under the Nigerian Centre for Migration and Development, being building on a previous introductory training Programme. In her words, “Today, what we are celebrating here today started in May this year when the beneficiaries registered for different training programmes. we also provide sustainable migration support for both vulnerable groups and returned migrants”
The Managing Director of the Edo State Skills Acquisition Development Agency (Edo Jobs), Hon. Kerimu Shehu Kelly, stressed that the training purpose is sustainability and contributing to society. He urged beneficiaries to build upon and sustain the skills they have learnt and added that the Programme is a collaboration between GIZ and the Edo State Government, with Senator Okpebholo providing support and the enabling environment.
The highlight of the Ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries, accompanied by cash gifts, courtesy of the Office of the Edo State First Lady in support of the Programme.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani (middle); the State Coordinator f GIZ-ZME, Barr. Eseosa Okuku; the Managing Director of the Edo State Skills and Development Agency (Edo Jobs), Hon. Kerimu Shehu Kelly; among other stakeholders at the Graduation Ceremony which held in GRA, Benin City.
