In a bid to empower local communities, the Presidency recently conducted a two-day intensive soap-making training for women and youths in Uhonmora-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Organized by the Border Communities Development Agency in partnership with Instinct Resources Service Ltd, the program not only imparted practical skills but also included start-up capital to support business ventures.
Held at the Uhonmora Civic Centre, the training welcomed over 266 participants from the community.
Representatives from the Border Communities Development Agency, Mrs. Atozie Sarah Ngozi and Mr. Rwang Bulus, highlighted the purpose of the program, urging beneficiaries to use the start-up funds responsibly to establish viable businesses.
Training instructors Hauwa Pogu Mai and Hauwa Apagu Satumari covered topics on soap-making, from safety precautions to recipes and formulations for liquid and bar soaps.
The comprehensive training also included business and marketing strategies to help participants effectively run their ventures.
Community leaders, including Elder Victor Ajayi, Mrs. Evangelina Agbai, Vice President of the Uhonmora Ora Progressives Union Worldwide, and Secretary General Mr. Austin Emokhare, praised the initiative.
They encouraged participants to utilize their new skills and resources wisely, reinforcing the potential impact of the program on the community’s economic growth.
Participants enthusiastically engaged in practical soap production, applying their new knowledge under the guidance of instructors.
The high points of the event included the awarding of certificates, confirmation of start-up capital through SMS alerts, and a closing Q&A session to reinforce participants’ understanding.
With this initiative, the federal government continues its mission to empower rural communities, fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency across the nation.