The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non Formal Education (NMEC) has empowered 50 graduates of the Igarra Community Learning Centre in Edo State with vocational equipment to support them in establishing their own businesses.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Acting Executive Secretary of NMEC, Dr John Edeh, said the empowerment programme was organised through the commission’s Department of Literacy and Development in collaboration with the Vocational and Continuing Education Department.
Edeh, who spoke in a statement issued in Abuja by the commission’s spokesperson, Issa Marughu, said the event also featured the presentation of certificates to graduates trained in fashion designing, catering and event management, hairdressing and local weaving.
He said the initiative forms part of the commission’s commitment to promoting vocational education, equipping citizens with practical skills and creating sustainable livelihoods through skills acquisition.
Edeh commended the traditional institution, the Igarra Community Development Initiative and members of the community for sustaining the learning centre.
He noted that although NMEC had established 12 Community Learning Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the Igarra centre remains the only one operating effectively and currently serves the entire southern region.
The acting executive secretary urged members of the public to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the centre and advised beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment provided. He added that the commission would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure the starter packs are used for their intended purposes.
The Coordinator of the Igarra Community Learning Centre, Mrs Ahmadu Lamin, expressed appreciation to NMEC and the host community for their continued support. She also commended the centre’s contribution to youth development through vocational training.
Also speaking, the President of the Igarra Community Development Initiative (ICDI), Mr Michael Okara, said the centre, which was commissioned in 2017, was revived in 2025 through a partnership between the community and NMEC after years of inactivity.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Skills for Self Reliance: Empowering Communities Through Vocational Training,” Okara urged the graduates to value the skills they had acquired, describing them as lifelong assets capable of providing sustainable livelihoods.
“A certificate is good, but a skill is better because a skill cannot be stolen or retrenched,” he said.
The Oshimidase of Igarra, His Royal Highness Otu Baja, also commended the Federal Government and NMEC for sustaining the initiative.
According to the traditional ruler, the learning centre has created opportunities for youths and women, reduced unemployment and contributed to community development. He urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment to establish businesses, create jobs and train others in their chosen trades.
Outstanding graduates received empowerment items including sewing machines, industrial ovens, complete hairdressing salon equipment, ring lights and other vocational tools. The event also featured practical demonstrations by the graduates, while trainees from the local weaving department presented a handwoven Aso Oke fabric to the acting executive secretary in appreciation of NMEC’s support.
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