Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s Education Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to vocational training and entrepreneurship development.
Speaking during the flag-off of the 3rd edition of Ladi Memorial Foundation National Sewing Championship in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Permanent Secretary, Education Secretariat, Mrs Joy Okeke, said the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been an unwavering supporter of vocational education and skills development initiatives in the territory as shown by his commitment to
empowering the youth through practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Mrs Okeke acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders by their continuous investment in skills development, fostering innovation and promoting self – reliance among young people.
The Permanent Secretary praised the contestants for taking the bold step to showcase their creativity and technical skills, commending the organizers for being a beacon of hope for aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s fashion industry.
In her welcome address earlier, the Director, FCTA’s Department of Mass Education, Dr. Favour Edem-Nse, commended the organizers and sponsors of the championship for sustaining a platform that nurtures creativity, innovation, and skill acquisition in the sewing industry.
She highlighted the significance of vocational training in driving economic growth and development, emphasizing that the sewing industry plays a vital role in job creation and revenue generation.
The director explained that the FCT Education Secretariat, through its Departments of Mass Education and Science, Technology and Innovation, is a key stakeholder and matron of the initiative.
Mrs Edem-Nse reaffirmed the Secretariat’s desire not to relent in its efforts to support stakeholders in line with its mandate of promoting education and vocational empowerment across the FCT.
Also speaking, Director, FCT Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,Mr Kolawole Olobashola stressed the significance of the competition in promoting vocational skills, fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing young talents in Nigeria.
He highlighted FCTA’s commitment to vocational and technical education as it is working towards establishing Vocational Knowledge Centers in each of the territory’s six Area Councils.
Olobashola urged the participants to embrace the spirit of competition, innovation and excellence.
The Ladi Memorial Foundation National Sewing Competition 2025 features both junior and youth categories.
The event has gained prominence as a platform for skills development and empowerment with continued support from private organizations and government agencies such as FCT Education Secretariat.
