By Stella Anekwe
There was excitement and jubilation on Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare as the Commissioner, Hon. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, officially kicked off a free skills acquisition and empowerment training programme for about 100 women and youths in the state.
What started as a simple flag-off ceremony quickly turned into a lively celebration as beneficiaries broke into chants and songs of appreciation, commending the Commissioner and the Ministry for providing them with an opportunity to acquire practical skills at no cost.
The unexpected show of appreciation appeared to surprise Mrs. Onyekesi, who watched as the beneficiaries expressed their excitement and gratitude for the initiative.
The appreciation was led by the Course Representative of the Computer class, Nzekwe Nkechiyere Martha, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries. She expressed their gratitude to the Commissioner for her foresight and commitment to empowering women and youths through practical skills.
According to Mrs. Onyekesi, the 2026 Skills Development Initiative is her personal contribution to the Ministry and is aimed at equipping women and youths with practical knowledge that will help them become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to the development of their families and communities.
The training programme, which commenced at the Ministry’s premises in Agu-Awka, brought together selected beneficiaries who are undergoing training in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
The areas of training include Catering and Confectionery, Computer Education, Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Tailoring and Fashion Design, as well as Arts and Crafts.
Addressing the participants during the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and approach the training with commitment, discipline and determination.
She noted that acquiring practical skills could open doors to employment, entrepreneurship and financial independence, stressing that the programme was designed to provide participants with useful knowledge they could apply even after completing the training.
Mrs. Onyekesi further encouraged the trainees to remain dedicated throughout the programme, emphasizing that the true impact of the initiative would be seen in how effectively the beneficiaries put their newly acquired skills to use to improve their lives and support others.
The Commissioner explained that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to promote the welfare, development and economic empowerment of women and young people in the state, in support of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
She stressed that investment in practical skills remains important in tackling unemployment and reducing economic dependency, while creating opportunities for individuals to establish small businesses, support their families and contribute positively to their communities.
The beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare for the opportunity, describing the training as a valuable platform to acquire skills that could improve their economic prospects.
They also pledged to remain committed and dedicated throughout the training programme.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities that will enable women and youths to develop sustainable livelihoods, noting that the successful implementation of the skills acquisition programme would further strengthen the state’s efforts towards economic empowerment and inclusive development.
The Coordinator, Women Affairs and Social Development Skills Acquisition Centre, Rev. Sister Ogechukwu Nwankwo, also appreciated Commissioner Onyekesi for initiating the training programme and creating an avenue for beneficiaries to acquire practical skills.
Similarly, the Computer Instructor, Mrs. Theresa Agha; Hairdressing Instructor, Mrs. Chioma Nwabueze; and Food Instructor, Lady Nkemjika Agha, among others, pledged to give their best in equipping the participants with the necessary skills throughout the training sessions.
Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Values Reformation.
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