20 barrack youths have graduated after successfully undergone 2 weeks intensive vocational training programme at the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA) Skills Acquisition Centre in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa while addressing the graduands, said, the skills acquired by the members of DEPOWA signify their unwavering commitment to self-improvement and their determination to create a better future for themselves and their families.
General Musa affirmed that, education and skill acquisitions are fundamental pillars for personal and societal development. "When we empower the women in our communities, we empower the entire nation."he said.
The CDS emphasized that the achievements celebrated today are not just certificates or qualifications. They represent resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth.
He said, the skills that have been acquired through DEPOWA's programs will not only enhance the individual lives of military and police wives but also contribute to the overall progress of our nation. These skills will equip them to engage in productive activities, pursue gainful employment, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
"In times of tragedy and loss, the impact on the families of our fallen heroes is immeasurable. The skill acquisition programs organized by DEPOWA also play a crucial role in assisting the wives of deceased officers to cope with sustaining their livelihoods.
"By equipping them with valuable skills, we are empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and ensure a secure future for themselves and their children. It is our duty as a society to support these brave women and provide them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives."he said
Earlier in her remarks, the DEPOWA President Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa noted that these skills acquisition programmes and other humanitarian and social intervention programmes being initiated by DEPOWA, geared towards aligning with the non-kinetics campaigns of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
"As we are all aware kinetic and non-kinetic campaigns are part and parcel of military strategies used to win the war against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminalities bedeviling our nation Nigeria."she noted.
She urged the graduates to ensure that they put to practice the skills that they have acquired to become self-reliant, industrious and above all employers of labour.
I must add that the starter kits that will be issued to you today is to encourage you to start your trade in order to support your academic endeavours. I look forward to seeing and knowing that you are all doing well in the areas of entrepreneurship. To be honest with you, there is a very limited jobs in the labour today, nations are embracing skills acquisition and vocational training to complement government efforts in providing jobs for the teeming unemployed." She noted.
In her remarks, the Former President DEPOWA, Barrister Mrs Vickie Irabor congratulated graduates having completed the 2 weeks intensive training, urges them to ensure that they put to practice the skills they have acquired to become self-reliant, industrious and above all employers of labour.
In his remarks, the Deputy Director Public Relations Officer, Captain AS Ajibola said, the Make-up students were trained on techniques of face moisturization, Different shape of faces and suitable foundation, foundation colour mixing, types of eyes shadow, concealers, lip stick and brushes, introduction to make up kits, Jaw lining, Cupid bone, sizes of Eyes lashes, every day make up, bridal make up, nude make up and Special appearance among others.
"Similarly, the Production students were taught Safety measures to apply during production, various chemical measurement, Labeling, scaling, different chemical use for the production of vasline, liquid soap, car wash, air freshener, izar, Cosmetics among others,
"Furthermore, the Barbing class, the students were exposure to Basic of barbing, beard shaving and carving, as well as how to use barbing equipment (such as tissue, apron, face towel, clipper, clipper oiling, powder and brush). They were also taught different Hair cut styles including skin cut, 2 steps, 3 steps, Afro cut, Skin ponk et al.
"The last class are the Auto gele Students that were taught different types of aso-oke and their measurements, various types of auto gele like Fan rose, Bowl, Zara cap, Fascinator, Alice band, how to create a design using aso-oke and placement on Alice band, gele tying, how to use needle and tred to form different Auto gele styles among others.", he noted.
The highlight of the ceremony is the birthday celebration of the President DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa and presentation of relief materials to Widows of fallen heroes. Dignitaries at the graduation ceremony were Chief of Defence Staff, Former President DEPOWA, Barrister Mrs Vickie Irabor, National President NAOWA, NOWA,POWA, Members of the DEPOWA, family and friends.
