The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) said it would empower another group of 220 aspiring youths, women and widows into its Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programme.
The National President of NAFOWA, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar made this known on Saturday in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the 10th Edition of the NAFOWA Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programme.
“My joy is absolute and immeasurable on this special day, the opening ceremony of the 10th Edition of the NAFOWA Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training at the NAF Base, Abuja.
“We are celebrating a big milestone today with the fact that this Initiative which is more than two years old, having commenced at the NAF Base Makurdi in May 2016, and having successfully graduated over 2000 participants is finally here in Abuja.
She said that the Abuja NAF base that houses the personnel of the Headquarters is a base considered to be the “jewel” of all NAF Bases.
“We have come to commence the biggest training so far. We are ready to add another group of 220 aspiring youths, women and widows into our Skills Acquisition Hall of Fame,” Abubakar said.
She said that Abuja is particularly important to NAFOWA because “we know that being the capital city of Nigeria, standards of living is quite high, and expectations from all is equally high.”
“So when you have a young graduate or a woman who is qualified and ready for unemployment, but unable to find one, the attending frustration can be high, especially when you see others doing so well,” she said.
The NAFOWA national president disclosed that the training programme would last for 10 weeks, adding that participants would be trained in 13 trades.
She said that trades includes, Tailoring, Catering , Hairdressing and Barbing, Make up Artistry, Computer Appreciation, Photography and Videograhpy, DSTV Installation, event decoration, interior decoration and soft furnishing.
Others includes Soap and Disinfectant Production, Leather Shoes and Bags Production and Aluminum Works and Fabrication.
She said that the classes are going to be practical driven with some of the best facilitators from NAFOWA Vocational and ICT Center Ikeja Lagos.
She urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and take the chance as a stepping stone to greater things to come.
“After 10 weeks, I look forward to releasing you vibrant youths and women into the job market with a new lease of life,” she said.
Mrs Rabi Yusuf, NAFOWA Coodinator, Abuja Chapter, urged the participants to be employers of labour after the training.
“Please use this opportunity to enhance yourselves, and the nation in general,” she said.
Yusuf thanked the national president for the opportunity to be part of the event.
Mrs Omowunmi Thanni, the technical partner, appreciated the NAFOWA national president for her doggedness in pursuing the empowerment vision. (NAN)
