No fewer than 100 women in Ogun State have received vocational training through a free empowerment programme organised by West African Youth Council (WAYC) Ambassador, Adedoyin Idris Shonuga.
The participants were trained in makeup artistry and traditional gele head-tie styling during a masterclass held in Ilaporu, Ijebu North Local Government Area, with the aim of equipping them with skills to establish small businesses and generate income within their communities.
Shonuga, in a statement, said the initiative was part of her commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and economic independence.
‘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,’ she said.
The masterclass combined intensive practical sessions on professional makeup application and traditional gele styling with mentoring on entrepreneurship, personal branding, customer relations and business resilience.
The programme was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge needed to establish and sustain beauty businesses, while providing income-generating opportunities amid prevailing economic challenges.
Shonuga said investing in women had a multiplier effect that extended beyond individual beneficiaries, as economically empowered women could contribute to the wellbeing and development of their families and communities.
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 urged governments, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to invest more in community development to boost education, security and economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
She said sustainable development required stronger partnerships between public institutions, private organisations and humanitarian groups.
Shonuga said she would continue to support women’s empowerment, youth development and community safety in Ogun communities and outside it.