No fewer than 100 women in Ogun State have been trained in vocation under a free empowerment programme by the West African Youth Council (WAYC) Ambassador, Adedoyin Idris Shonuga,
In the five-day Gele and Makeup Masterclass, held at Ilaporu, Ijebu North Local Government Area, the women were trained in makeup artistry and traditional gele head-tie styling to help them establish small businesses and generate income in their communities.
Shonuga had earlier donated CTV cameras to some schools to tackle banditry and kidnapping in schools.
In a statement, Shonuga said: ‘As a West African Youth Ambassador and a female leader in the security industry, empowering women is at the heart of everything I do.
‘True security goes beyond installing CCTV systems and physical monitoring. It is about economic independence, self-reliance and personal development. When women acquire practical skills, they build sustainable livelihoods, become financially independent and strengthen their communities.’
The masterclass combined intensive hands-on instruction in professional makeup application and traditional gele styling with mentoring sessions on entrepreneurship, personal branding, customer relations and business resilience, equipping participants with the knowledge required to establish successful beauty enterprises.
The programme provided practical, income-generating opportunities for women seeking alternative sources of livelihood amid prevailing economic challenges.
Shonuga added that investing in women creates a multiplier effect that extends beyond individual beneficiaries.
She further said: ‘When women succeed economically, families become stronger, communities become more resilient and society becomes safer. Security and empowerment are inseparable.’
Also, in July, Shonuga donated six Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to schools in Ijebu-Ode to boost the safety of pupils after reported kidnappings in parts of the area.
The cameras were installed at St. Augustine Catholic School, Odo-Egbun; Joke Taiwo School, Akpebi; and Muslim Primary School, Ititale.
The security equipment is expected to strengthen surveillance, enhance early detection of suspicious movements and assist school administrators in working more closely with security agencies when necessary.
Shonuga advised governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest more in community development to improve education, security and economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
While acknowledging government efforts in providing infrastructure and social services, she stressed that sustainable development required stronger partnerships between public institutions, private organisations and humanitarian groups.
She reaffirmed her commitment to continuing programmes that promote women’s empowerment, youth development and community safety, expressing confidence that sustained investment in people would contribute to building more secure, prosperous and resilient communities across Ogun State and beyond.