FCT FOWA unveils Skills Acquisition Centre for women, youth

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The FCT Fire Officer’s Wives Association (FFOWA) has unveiled its Skills Acquisition Centre established to strategically empower women and youth, aimed at improving their lives.
It was gathered that the Centre will be fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through its programme that will focus on areas such as photography, catering, soap making, make up artistry, bread and cake baking, hair dressing and barbing, shoe making, IT web design, fashion design and tailoring, satellite installation, print making, hat making, and fish farming.
Performing the inauguration of the Centre yesterday at the FCT Fire Services Headquarters, Asokoro, Abuja, Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, is committed to supporting initiatives that empower communities and improve lives in the territory, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu`s administration.
Mahmoud noted that the event with the theme, “Pathway to Performance: Steps to Transforming Yourself, Your Team, and Organization,” marks a significant step in our shared commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and community service.
The minister, who was represented by Hajiya Maijidda Adamu Kuku, her S.A on Social Investment Programmes (SIP), added that theme is a call to action that speaks directly to the heart of what it means to drive sustainable change.
According to her: “The establishment of this Skills Acquisition Centre is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when we come together with a vision of progress and empowerment. This center is much more than a facility—it is a symbol of opportunity, resilience, and the enduring strength of our communities.
“Here, women, young people, and individuals from all walks of life will have access to training in essential skills that will not only open doors for economic empowerment but also create pathways for meaningful contributions to society.
“Through various programs and partnerships, we aim to create an environment where skills development and self-reliance are prioritized, and where every resident has access to the tools they need to build a brighter future.
“The Skills Acquisition Centre aligns perfectly with these goals, and we are proud to be associated with such a transformative project.
To the members of the Fire Officers’ Wives Association, your dedication and commitment to this vision have brought us to this remarkable day.
“This achievement will be celebrated not only by those of us present here but also by the generations who will benefit from the knowledge, skills, and opportunities fostered within these walls.
“As we cut the ribbon to officially open this center, I encourage everyone—trainees, facilitators, and community members alike—to see this as the beginning of a journey, which will challenge us to unlock our potential, to support one another in personal and professional growth, and to build an organization and community that embody the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and service.”
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, President of FFOWA, Mrs. Adebayo Janet, said as officer’s wives, by investing in skills development, they are not merely building infrastructure, but are building the foundation of a prosperous future.
Adebayo, who explained that inaugurating the pilot centre, situated at the FCT Fire and Rescue Training Institute Kaura, Abuja, reaffirmed their commitment to creating a society where every Individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to reach their full potentials.
She added by equipping women and youth with practical skills, we are empowering them to break free from the shackles of poverty and unemployment.
“I urge us all to support this initiative wholeheartedly by donating generously to this
program. Together, we can build a skilled workforce that drives our economy forward, reduces unemployment, and ensures a brighter future for all.
“It is our hope This pilot center will empower our women and youth to become job creators,
entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, contributing to the overall development of our nation’s capital city”, she stressed.
On her part, the Mandate Secretary for FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi described the initiative as a testament to FFOWA’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and fostering economic independence.
Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Asmau Mukhtar, applauded the leadership of the association for the visionary project, and pledged the secretariat’s unwavering support in its success.