LASG, NGOs UNITE FOR GIRL CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu has said that the task of ensuring that no one is left behind in Lagos State requires the support of individuals and private organisations to accomplish this.

Pharm Oke-Osanyintolu made this known at the Grand Finale for the Six Months Advanced Skills Acquisition Training Programme organised by SheCan with the support of Cummins West Africa and in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for the girls at Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi Araba on Friday.

According to her, “We appreciate SheCan and Cummins West Africa for this noble gesture. They realise that our girls in the Correctional Centre need to be empowered for a better tomorrow. Government cannot achieve this alone. We call on all public-spirited individuals and organisations to join us in giving our children the future they deserve”.

Founder, SheCan, Ezinne Ezeani stated that the organisation decided to hold  the empowerment programme in line with its vision for the Girl Child which involves recognising her innate abilities and potentials, developing her capabilities in achieving success through collaboration and empowerment

She said, “This programme is to prepare our girls for a better future when they leave this centre. It is to make them self-employed and able to contribute anywhere they find themselves. It is to make their period in the Correctional Centre worthwhile. Apart from giving them training in Makeup, Computer, Hair Wig, Soap Making, Decoration course, Hat Making crafts and Bakery/Pastry, some of them have also been provided with start-up tools”.

On his part, Managing Director, Cummins West Africa, Mr. Mark Oni-okeke stated that the company decided to partner with SheCan as part of its corporate social responsibility to give back to society.

Mr. Oni-okeke, therefore. advised the girls to be of good behaviour, remain teachable and endeavour to put the tools they were given to good use.