By| Goodluck E.Adubazi,
Abuja
Residents of Galadimawa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a major boost in community development on Friday as the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC), in partnership with the Regy and Henry Amazing Grace Foundation (RHAGF), presented vocational training equipment to support a newly established skills acquisition centre.
The initiative marks the culmination of a three-week intensive training programme aimed at empowering residents with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Presenting the equipment, Mrs. Ejieji Nnenna Jane, Head of Department, Vocational Skills at NMEC, said the tools provided were tailored to help beneficiaries immediately begin small-scale businesses.
“You can use these to fry small chops and puff-puff. For the literacy centre, we have provided books, exercise books, and primers to help you learn how to read and write,” she said.
She assured the community of continued support, noting that NMEC would assess future needs and provide additional assistance where possible. She concluded with the commission’s slogan: “Each One, Teach One—if I teach you, you teach another, and everyone will learn.”
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the National Coordinator of RHAGF, Dr. Duru Regina, expressed deep satisfaction at the visible transformation in the lives of participants.
“Anywhere we go, we leave a mark,” she declared. “For 17 years, we have worked across communities in the FCT—Mabushi, Utako, and others. Now, it is Galadimawa’s turn.”
Dr. Duru Regina , RHAGF National Coordinator, highlighted the foundation’s mission of tackling societal challenges through skills acquisition, including poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.
“If you are not engaged, negative influences can easily take over. That is why we equip people with skills—to keep them productive and self-reliant,” she said.
The programme also featured awareness sessions by partners, including representatives from the Network Against Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), who educated participants on the tactics used by human traffickers and the importance of vigilance.
In her remarks, a partner representative from Soower Widow and Mission Foundation, Ogba Abah, encouraged beneficiaries to take charge of their future.
“Do not wait for the government. Use what you have learned here to become employers of labour in the next 10 years,” she urged.
Community leaders, including Ebira Chief Ahmed Aliyu Ohiare and Igbo Chief Ezeobi Bright, commended RHAGF for its lasting impact, describing the initiative as one that would benefit generations to come.
A beneficiary, Ajibade Doose, who was trained in the production of Vaseline and shea butter, expressed gratitude on behalf of participants.
“We can now earn a living without depending on others. We are now self-reliant,” she said. “Words cannot express how grateful we are to RHAGF and NMEC.”
The event also featured a send-off ceremony for a corps member, Monica Izobo, who was honoured for her outstanding service to the foundation.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and celebration as the training programme officially came to an end, leaving behind a community better equipped for economic independence.
Over the years, RHAGF has trained more than 2,000 individuals across the FCT, many of whom are now financially independent and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
