Foundations seek equipment, training materials’ support to empower women 

By Philomina Attah

The Ladi Memorial Foundation (LMF), in partnership with Wuye Women Foundation of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), has called for more support to vocational centres to empower women with skills.

The foundations made the call in Abuja on Monday, during the 2026 graduation and exhibition ceremony, organised for beneficiaries of their vocational centre in Wuye.

LMF Executive Director, Mrs Rosemary Osikoya, specifically urged well-meaning individuals, government agencies and religious organisations to assist vocational training centres with equipment and training materials.

Osikoya added that such support would enable beneficiaries to put their acquired skills into practice and establish viable enterprises.

She said that the support would also equip women with practical skills for economic independence and sustainable livelihoods.

“This is because practical skills can make women self-reliant, productive and able to contribute meaningfully to their households and communities.

“My first message is to women of means and skills: give back to your community through platforms like this.

“We usually appeal to many people to come and train our women but when we cannot pay the trainers, they stay away. This is sad,” she said.

Osikoya commended some young women who donated fabrics to the centre upon learning that materials were needed for tailoring, describing fabric as essential for garment production.

She called on the government to establish a transparent reward system for vocational graduates by providing top trainees with starter packs.

The executive director expressed concern over resources being spent on political patronage rather than genuine skill empowerment.

“Can we create a reward system where people who complete training get equipment? If nobody gives them equipment and they cannot afford to buy it, their skills may not translate into a livelihood.

“Donations to vocational centres should be treated as vital community development initiatives, not mere charity,” she said.

On her part, Pst. Mary Aboderin of the MFM Wuye Branch, commended the church leadership and the foundation for providing the platform, noting that it had empowered nearly 500 people in Wuye and surrounding areas.

Aboderin noted that empowering women improves family livelihoods and reduces financial dependency.

“When you empower 500 people, you can imagine how many homes you have supported. They will no longer depend entirely on their spouses for basic household needs.

“Beneficiaries can now start sewing and earn a sustainable income for their families. This is a laudable achievement worthy of emulation,” she added.

A beneficiary, Mrs Abigail Ipinlaiye, said the training, initially scheduled for eight weeks—was extended to six months to allow for deeper practical mastery in blouse, gown and skirt making.

“For over 20 years, I have aspired to learn garment making. When I heard the announcement among the women in church, I seized the opportunity, and today we are graduating,” Ipinlaiye said.

Another beneficiary, Pst. Esther Abe, said the extended duration greatly enhanced their practical knowledge.

Abe appreciated the organisers for equipping women with financial independence skills, adding that she looked forward to opening her own fashion outfit. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai