Group empowers 250 Makoko youths

A Non-Government Organisation (NGO), Sought-Out Cities Arts, Skill and Empowerment Initiative, on Sunday, empowered no fewer than 250 youths of Makoko Community in Lagos State through vocational training.

The Director of the Initiative, Mrs Eunice Okoh, who expressed satisfaction with the turnout of applicants, said that about 1,000 applicants applied for the programme after which 250 were shortlisted, and subsequently  trained free of charge.

Okoh said: “I am sincerely thrilled by the turnout for the programme. We received about 1,000 applications but shortlisted 250 as against the 200 we planned for.

The director said that the organisation also invited a dance trainer from the United States of America with a couple of other trainers so as to ensure the success of the programme.

She added: “I was thrilled by the commitment of participants, who did not relent in their quest and desire to be empowered with diverse marketable skills.”

She added that the third edition of the group’s empowerment programme and the first in Makoko community was done in partnership with Abel Enikanologbon Organisation.

“We trained youths in various vocational skills including bead making, fashion creation and design make-up, decorations, catering, dance, music and computer/graphics design.

A special guest at the event, Alhaja Alimat Sowemimo, commended the efforts of the trainers and organisers, stating that such action would help reduce the number of unemployed youths.

Sowemimo, a solicitor with the Lagos State government,  advised the youths to ensure they carved a niche for themselves in order to be distinguished in the labour market.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Esther Okpoe, described the training as “inspiring and life-changing”.

Okpoe said, “The training was really inspiring. We were trained on how to make bags, bow ties, hair clips, ear rings, bangles and baby dresses with needle and thread with less use of sewing machine.”