The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has partnered Uredo by Design, a non-governmental organization focused on fashion design, to provide comprehensive training for children at the Children’s Correctional Center, Ugbekun.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien, noted that the seven weeks’ intensive training aims to equip the children with practical and marketable skills in fashion design, which would support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society as responsible and productive citizens.
Chief Idaomi highlighted the State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and future of vulnerable children, stressing that the dedication extends to every child, including those currently housed in correctional institutions across the State. She assured the continuous efforts and commitment of the Government to improving their living conditions, safeguarding their rights, and providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation and a better future.
The Commissioner explained that the Children’s Correctional Centre, Ugbekun, served as a temporary home for minors drawn from various parts of the State, who were in conflict with the law or facing challenging circumstances, highlighting the role of the Centre to include provision of shelter, delivering holistic rehabilitation through various skills acquisition and educational programmes.
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Director of Uredo by Design, Otubeje Uredo-ojo Faith, stated that the training would equip the Children with practical skills to secure legitimate income opportunities, steering them away from crimes and social vices.
Otubeje expressed optimism that by the end of the training, participants will be capable of designing and producing quality fashion pieces that are globally marketable, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence in them.
Wisdom Agbonta
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
PHOTO CAPTION
2nd Right: Chief Executive Officer of Uredo by Design, Otubeje Uredo-ojo Faith; 3rd Right: the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Joy Ihensekhien; Middle: the Director of Rehabilitation, Mr. Sylvester Okoeguale; 3rd Left: the Director of Social Welfare, Mrs. Osato Odobo and some staff during the opening ceremony of the fashion training at the Children’s Correctional Centre, Ugbekun in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
