The Edo State Government through the Office of the First Lady, led by its Coordinator, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has emphasized the importance of skills acquisition as a rapid pathway to economic empowerment, stating its significance to include fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Mrs. Anani made the assertion while addressing the Miss Edo International representatives at the Government House in Benin City, where the Managing Director of the Edo State Skills and Development Agency (Edo Jobs), Hon. Kerimu Shehu Kelly was recognised as a major stakeholder.
“Skills acquisition is very important to me. Beyond your education, you also need to have a skill. It is another way of empowering yourselves and I always say that to become a millionaire, you have to become an entrepreneur. Millionaires are not found in government spaces. Look at all the millionaires, they are entrepreneurs, not politicians. They are bringing money into our society and contributing to our GDP”. Mrs. Anani said.
The Coordinator further explained how societal needs create opportunities for entrepreneurship and productivity, which enable individuals to create their own jobs and contribute to their community through innovative solutions.
”There is a need in society and you have to find a solution to it. People have birthday parties every day, so there is a need for catering. People want to dress nicely, so there is a need for fashion designers, people want to look good, so there is a need for beauticians. Makeup has become a big business that many people are now aware of. Not everyone can have a white-collar job, but you can still be productive and give back to society”. She continued.
Mrs. Anani reaffirmed her commitment to collaborating with the Miss Edo International on its pet projects and advised that the initiatives should prioritize giving back to the society.
On her part, the Organizer of Miss Edo International, Miss Debby Benson, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anani for her leadership skills, collaboration and for the opportunity to learn new skills through the Edo Jobs programme, which, according to her, has been a valuable experience. She disclosed her plans on giving back to the society by opening her own business and training other ladies.
EDSG advocates Skills Acquisition as panacea for sustainable Economic Growth
