Nov 6, 2007 - National Sensitization Workshop To Enhance Women Participation In Technical And Vocational Education And Training
I wish to start by welcoming to Lagos State, all participants at this national sensitization workshop on enhancing women participation in technical and vocational education and training organised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
I want to commend the management of NBTE under the able leadership of the Executive Secretary, Engr. Dr. Nuru Yakubu, OON for not only organising this very important workshop but also for choosing Lagos State as one of the two zones to host the workshop.
Lagos State as you are aware, has been in the forefront of encouraging and promoting vocational skill acquisition as an effective strategy for empowerment and poverty reduction especially among women. This commitment is evidenced through the six (6) well equipped vocational skill acquisition and training centres in which women and young girls receives training in different vocations free of charge.
It is an established fact that when a woman is empowered, she will be in a good position to play a complimentary role expected of her particularly in the present economic situation which has made it difficult for the man to be solely responsible for every need of the family. Besides, there is the increasing need for women to brace up for the emerging challenges which requires the feminine gender to unleash their potentials and contribute meaningfully to the process of attaining the desired level of growth and development. This is encapsulated in one of the Millennium Development goals set by the United Nations and of which our country is a signatory.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this workshop and the issues that have been outlined for discussion and deliberation are very vital to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal by 2015. It is therefore my hope that participants will accord this workshop the attention that it requires and develop workable strategies that will motivate and encourage women and girls to embrace technical and vocational education.
Let me also enjoin you to give serious attention to ways of encouraging the participation of the private sector in this exercise for the obvious reason that government cannot do it alone. The participation of the private sector is therefore a key success facto in the achievement of the objective of the subject matter of this workshop.
Once again, I commend the National Board for Technical Education for organising this workshop and also express my sincere appreciation for the honour of the invitation to be part of this opening ceremony.
It is therefore my singular honour and privilege to declare the workshop open. I wish you fruitful and rewarding deliberations.
I thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State