By Yunisa Idaiye
The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, NMEC has empowered some youths and adults in the South-South zone with vocational skills materials and equipment.
The presentation of the materials that took place at the Commission’s South-South Zonal Office, Benin City, was under the Literacy through Economic Empowerment Strategy, LEES initiative of the Commission.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Executive Secretary of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, Dr John Edeh, observed that the initiative was the second in its series of presentation of vocational skills and equipment to learners.
Represented by the Director, Vocational and Continuing Education Department of NMEC, Mrs Jane Ejieji, Dr Edeh noted that the vision of the Commission was to eradicate illiteracy in the country, and provide non-formal and continuing education within the context of lifelong learning for sustainable development.
According to him, “while the Commission is doing all it can to reinvigorate the Adult and Non-formal Education sector and adapt to the changing realities, this onerous task cannot be accomplished without the support and diligent contribution of all stakeholders”.
Welcoming participants from across the states in the South-South zone, the representative of the Director, Edo state Agency for Mass Education, Mrs Ivory Ibrahim noted that the Learner’s Economic Empowerment Scheme was aimed at eradicating illiteracy through skill acquisition.
She explained that the programme aligns with the EduRescue initiative of Governor Monday Okpebholo; pointing out that the state government’s revised education policy emphasizes skills acquisition at the basic education level.
Also speaking at the event, Edo state chairman of Non-governmental Association for Literacy Support Service, NOGLASS, Mr Davis Ogbogbo, observed that learning starts from the cradle to the end of one’s life.
He noted that the Empowerment of the learners would enable them to contribute their own quotas to the economic development of the country.
The participants at the event engaged in a competition in six categories including Catering, Make up, Barbing, shoe and bag making, fashion and taioring, as well as hairdressing.
Some of the learners including Miss Jennifer Meriewe, a caterer from Delta state, Mr Obinna Ogbonna, a barber from Edo state, and Miss Udeme Edet from Akwa ibom state, appreciated NMEC for the opportunity to showcase their talents and be empowered.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the vocational skills acquisition materials and equipment to the winners, the first runners-up and second runners-up all the categories.
Presenting the items which include Deep freezer, industrial sewing machines, locally fabricated ovens, manual and weaving machines, ring lights, and makeup tools boxes, among others, the representative of the Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Mrs Jane Ejieji urged the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment and materials, but to put them in good use to better their lives.
