To mitigate the growing number of out-of-school girls in the country and make the teaming youths self-reliant, the Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation has graduated 150 youths, mainly women, in various skills across diverse fields, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Speaking at the 10th anniversary of the foundation in Abeokuta on Monday, the executive secretary of the Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation, Mr. Richard Uwayzor, disclosed that the program addresses the critical need for skills development among out-of-school girls, emphasising comprehensive training in various trades.

He stated that over the years, beneficiaries have gained expertise in various fields, including shoemaking, auto mechanics, hairdressing, fashion design, and catering services.

“A key highlight of the program’s success is that a significant majority of its past beneficiaries have gone on to establish and successfully operate their businesses, a testament to the effectiveness of the training and the resilience of the young women,” he said.

He added that for a decade, the foundation has worked tirelessly to transform lives, stressing that it is incredibly rewarding to see over 150 young women empowered with the skills to build sustainable futures.

The event also marked the induction of a new group of young women whose session will begin in July for a one-year training and empowerment program.

Uwayzor explained that the foundation aims to deliver sustainable interventions in the areas of education and healthcare in Nigeria and globally, noting that its mission is to promote Christian ideals for the advancement of humanity through ethical and moral interventions in the education and healthcare sectors.

Also speaking at the event, a Director at the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Mrs. Funmilayo Nwachukwu, explained that with such a laudable empowerment program, youths will be able to secure their future and contribute their quota to nation-building.

She noted that when youths are engaged, crime and criminality will be reduced to a minimum, with the country’s gross domestic product increased, while the future will be guaranteed for the unborn children.

She stated that all they need to succeed is right in front of them, urging the new intakes to prioritise their training to succeed.

She commended the foundation for its commitment to engaging out-of-school girls in a meaningful endeavour to build a prosperous nation devoid of crime and criminality.

Nwachuckwu further urged the graduates to get federal government certification to be nationally and internationally recognised.

In the same vein, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, lauded MAMF for partnering with the government to provide the young ones with a solid foundation for a brighter tomorrow.

Prof. Arigbabu, represented by Mr. Okeleye Olarotimi, Deputy Director of Education from the ministry, was speaking at the grand finale of the 3rd edition of the MAMF Creative Challenge with the theme “Inspiring Innovation Through Education and Creativity” held at Ijaola Majekodunmi Memorial in Abeokuta. He stated that the competition will undoubtedly help sharpen the pupils’ skills in storytelling, critical thinking, and developing a creative mind, which is a powerful tool in problem-solving, among other benefits.

While commending the participants for their resilience, courage, and display of academic brilliance, the commissioner stated that the state government remains committed to implementing policies and projects that will consistently support quality education and position children for a better future.

He said, “As we applaud the winners today, let us remember that every idea matters, every voice counts, and every spark of creativity can light the way to something extraordinary.

“I encourage all of you, winners and participants alike, to continue to dream, to create, and to challenge the status quo even as you remain the pride of our dear state and your parents in the near future.”

The Executive Secretary of the Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation, Mr. Richard Uwayzor, has called on individuals and corporate bodies to complement the government’s efforts in developing the primary school education sector in the country.

Uwayzor said, “At this very basic level of education, the minds of these children are still very fresh; it is their formative years, and their brains are also open to great ideas, so any investment that will help catch them young and provide a very strong foundation and sense of direction for a great future deserves the support of all.”

Speaking on the essence of the educational intervention, Uwayzor explained that the competition provides a good platform for the kids to express their creativity, develop their critical thinking skills, and boost their self-confidence while perfecting their communication skills and the art of public speaking.

Over 300 public primary schools across the state were said to have submitted entries for the competition, out of which 30 schools advanced to the first stage, and 15 finalists emerged for the grand finale.

Uwayzor urged the pupils to take their studies seriously and never feel inferior to their colleagues attending private schools, adding that they should, from their tender age, purpose to be great in life.