The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), on Saturday graduated 20 barrack youths after successfully undergoing 2 weeks intensive vocational training programme at the DEPOWA) Skills Acquisition Centre in Abuja.
Chief of Defence Staff, Major Gen Christopher Gwabim Musa at the graduation said the skills acquired from the DEPOWA Centre has shown the unwavering commitment to self-improvement and creation of a better future for families and youths of the barracks.
The CDS affirmed that education and skill acquisitions are fundamental pillars for personal and societal development noting, “When we empower the women in our communities, we empower the entire nation.
Continuing he said, “In times of tragedy and loss, the impact on the families of our fallen heroes is immeasurable.
“The skill acquisition programs organized by DEPOWA also play a crucial role in assisting the wives of deceased officers to cope with sustaining their livelihoods.
“By equipping them with valuable skills, we are empowering them to overcome the challenges they face and ensure a secure future for themselves and their children.
“It is our duty as a society to support these brave women and provide them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.”he said
In her remarks, the DEPOWA President Mrs Oghogho Musa said, “These skills acquisition programmes and other humanitarian and social intervention programmes being initiated by DEPOWA are geared towards aligning with the non-kinetics campaigns of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“As we are all aware kinetic and non-kinetic campaigns are part and parcel of military strategies used to win the war against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminalities bedeviling our nation Nigeria”.
She advised the graduates to ensure that they put to practice the skills that they have acquired to become self-reliant, industrious and above all employers of labour.
“I must add that the starter packs that will be issued to you today is to encourage you to start your trade in order to support your academic endeavours. I look forward to seeing and knowing that you are all doing well in the areas of entrepreneurship.
“To be honest with you, there is very limited jobs in the labour market today, nations are embracing skills acquisition and vocational training to complement government efforts in providing jobs for the teeming unemployed”.
Also speaking, Former President DEPOWA, Barr Mrs Vickie Anwuli Irabor congratulated the graduands for completing the 2 weeks intensive training.
She urged them to ensure that they put to practice the skills they have acquired to become self-reliant, industrious and above all employers of labour.
A resourse person, Captain Ajibola said, the Make-up students were trained on techniques of face moisturization, different shape of faces and suitable foundation, foundation colour mixing, types of eyes shadow, concealers, lip stick and brushes, and introduction to make up kits, Jaw lining, Cupid bone.
“Others were sizes of Eyes lashes, every day make up, bridal make up, nude make up and Special appearance among other
“Similarly, the Production students were taught Safety measures to apply during production, various chemical measurement, Labeling, scaling, different chemical use for the production of vasline, liquid soap, car wash, air freshener, izar, Cosmetics among others,
“Furthermore, the Barbing class, the students were exposure to Basic of barbing, beard shaving and carving, as well as how to use barbing equipment (such as tissue, apron, face towel, clipper, clipper oiling, powder and brush).
“They were also taught different Hair cut styles including skin cut, 2 steps, 3 steps, Afro cut, Skin ponk et al.
“The last class are the Auto gele Students that were taught different types of aso-oke and their measurements, various types of auto gele like Fan rose, Bowl, Zara cap, Fascinator, Alice band, how to create a design using aso-oke and placement on Alice band, gele tying, how to use needle and tred to form different Auto gele styles among others.”, he noted.
High point of the ceremony was the birthday celebration of the President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa and presentation of relief materials to Widows of fallen heroes.
Other dignitaries at the graduation ceremony includedC National Presidents of NAOWA, NOWA,POWA, and members of the DEPOWA, family and friends.
