Ekiti Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Education and Human Capital Development

The Ekiti State Government says it remains committed to ensuring that no segment of the education sector is left behind in its pursuit of human capital development and economic empowerment.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration to human capital development during the graduation ceremony for learners at the Ikere-Ekiti Women Vocational Centre.

Represented by the Area Education Officer for Ikere Local Government Area, Dr. Dairo Ayeni, Mrs. Aderiye said the government established the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education to tackle illiteracy through functional education while creating opportunities for out-of-school youths and adults to acquire entrepreneurial and vocational skills.

She said the vocational centre had continued to equip women and out-of-school youths with practical knowledge, relevant skills and values needed to improve their standard of living and contribute meaningfully to society.

The commissioner congratulated the graduands and their families on the successful completion of the programme and urged them to make productive use of the skills acquired for personal and community development.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, Mrs. Modupe Falade, described literacy and vocational education as a collective responsibility involving federal, state and local governments, as well as non-governmental organisations and private individuals.

Mrs. Falade said such collaboration was necessary to reduce illiteracy and unemployment, urging the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the programme in their future endeavours.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Iyabo Adamolekun, wife of the Executive Chairman of Ikere-Ekiti, donated 10 sewing machines, two desktop computers and a commercial gas burner with a cylinder to support the graduands with start-up tools for their businesses.

Mrs. Adamolekun said the gesture was inspired by the belief that practical support and start-up tools would help beneficiaries attain financial independence and sustain their businesses.

She also acknowledged the support of the wife of the governor, Mrs. Olayemi Oyebanji, for providing a platform to positively impact lives at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Mrs. Temitope Apanisile thanked the state government for the opportunity to acquire vocational skills aimed at improving their livelihoods.

She also expressed appreciation to Mrs. Adamolekun for the donation of equipment and assured that the beneficiaries would make judicious use of the items to build better futures for themselves and their families.