At least 500 women in Katsina State have graduated from the Skills Acquisition Centre of the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development.

They received training in tailoring, leather work, catering, computer skills, cosmetology, and knitting.

The graduates, mostly young people, received training across various vocational fields, comprising 141 in tailoring, 114 in leather work, 53 in catering, 27 in computer skills, 90 in cosmetology, and 76 in knitting.

Governor Dikko Radda, who presided over the graduation ceremony on Sunday, emphasized that the programme’s success reflects his administration’s dedication to citizen welfare and economic development.

 He commended the Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development for its commitment to excellence in implementing the programme, stating that the Skills Acquisition Centre, represents the beginning of his administration’s initiatives to create opportunities for education, empowerment, and progress.

Radda therefore urged the graduates to utilize their newly acquired skills as instruments of change, encouraging them to pursue their dreams courageously and serve as inspiration for others.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed acknowledged the crucial role of parents, guardians, and well-wishers in supporting the graduates throughout their educational journey.

“Today’s achievements are not merely about certificates and skills; they symbolize the fulfillment of our promise to the young women of our state, that every dream is valid, every aspiration attainable, and every skill acquired is a stepping stone towards a brighter future,” Radda stated.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Special Adviser, Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development Jamila Mani explained that the Skills Acquisition Centre has expanded its curriculum to include advanced technology training, with over 100 trainees currently enrolled in robotics courses.

Mani declared that the students have already demonstrated remarkable achievements, developing innovative solutions such as automated irrigation systems that can detect soil moisture levels and adjust water flow.

“They have also created traffic light systems and designed self-driving car prototypes with accident detection capabilities,” he said.

“The success we celebrate today is not a mere coincidence; it is a direct result of the support and strategic guidance provided by His Excellency, the Governor Dikko Radda’s belief in the potential of our girl child, coupled with his vision for a prosperous and inclusive Katsina State.”

While delivering a lecture on the “Importance of Girl Child Education and Empowerment,” the guest speaker Malama Ibrahim urged the trainees to continue learning as education is key to a woman’s life.