Akinkanju, a non-governmental organization, has equipped 30 widows and single mothers from across Osun State with skills in various vocations, including adire textile production, household essentials, soap making, and bedspread production.
During the graduation ceremony held in Osogbo, the founder, Mrs. Bosede Nwachi, stated that the initiative aimed to empower women for financial independence. She noted that the 30 graduates were part of 150 women currently receiving vocational training under Akinkanju’s programs.
The organization also established a production hub where the women can produce and sell their goods, sharing profits to sustain their businesses. Mrs. Nwachi explained, “This is not a typical empowerment program. Beyond certificates, we ensure they have a sustainable platform to thrive economically.”
She also highlighted Akinkanju’s dual initiatives: the “Empower Her Project,” focusing on women’s vocational training, and the “Eco-Builder Project,” which trains youths in construction using eco-friendly materials.
In her keynote speech, Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Children Welfare, Ayobola Awolowo, represented by Director of Gender Affairs, Lola Adewale, urged society to stop stigmatizing single mothers and widows. She emphasized the need for policies that protect widows’ inheritance rights and create equal opportunities for single parents.
The event underscored Akinkanju’s commitment to fostering economic stability and social inclusion for vulnerable women in Osun State.
