The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has flagged off the sponsorship of 100 women for a skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering women across the state.
The programme, christened Anambra Skilled Ladies Programme, is designed to equip women with practical skills that will enable them to become productive and self-reliant members of society.
Areas of training include painting, furniture making, solar installation, tricycle (keke) repairs, and other technical skills traditionally dominated by men.
Flagging off the event at the Anambra State Government House, Awka,popularly known as the Light of the Nation—Mrs. Soludo said the initiative holds a distinct position in the state’s history as a non-governmental empowerment crusade.
According to her, the training programme is designed to celebrate women in the most practical way.
“Remarkably, we are in a month that has been globally dedicated to appreciating the uniqueness, beauty and resilience of womanhood. So consider this my own gift of love and support to all of you for being purposeful women.
The idea of the Anambra Skilled Ladies Programme struck like divine providence, and I’m super grateful that we are finally here to kick off this amazing journey. It is a well-designed entrepreneurial package that offers young women the opportunity to learn and prosper through high-demand, lucrative skills,” she said.
Mrs. Soludo revealed that when the application portal for the programme was opened a few months ago, more than 10,000 applications were received within just one week.
The First Lady, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, explained that the initial plan was to train 50 participants, but the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm shown by applicants led to the number being doubled to 100.
“You are all here today not by chance, because our screening process was strict and rigorous. You are here because you have shown considerable passion and the willingness to make a change.
I expect you to maintain the same mindset that got you here and make this lifetime opportunity count,” she said.
She disclosed that the trainees would be trained across four major departments: Solar and CCTV Installation and Repairs, Air-Conditioner Repair and Maintenance, Tricycle Repair, and Painting.
According to her, the programme will last for two months—one month of intensive practical training followed by one month of internship.
Mrs. Soludo added that trainees will be directly supervised by their instructors, while an independent monitoring team will track their daily progress.
“Classes are strictly in person, and you are required to achieve at least 98 per cent attendance to be certified. Any trainee who flouts the rules of the programme will be automatically disqualified and replaced,” she added.
She noted that the initiative aims to give participants a platform for prosperity and long-term success.
Mrs. Soludo encouraged the trainees to excel in the male-dominated technical fields, urging them to distinguish themselves through excellence and resilience.
“We want you to become a beacon of hope for your families, communities and our dear state. Whatever challenges you encounter during this programme, do not lose motivation. Let resilience drive your everyday tasks,” she said.
She also advised the trainees to remain dedicated, respect their trainers and fellow participants, and avoid unhealthy competition.
The First Lady commended the trainers for partnering with the initiative and urged them to provide the trainees with proper mentorship.
“We are handing these ladies into your care, mentorship and tutelage. Take good care of them and mould them with patience, dedication and professionalism. Let their development and success be your primary objective,” she said.
Mrs. Soludo further appealed to residents of the state to patronize the trainees after the programme, especially for technical services in homes.
“I am appealing to everyone here that these are the people we shall be using in our homes for such services. Skills acquisition is one of the best things anyone can do today. Be serious and learn this trade because it will be helpful to you in the future,” she added.
Mrs. Soludo also announced that after the technical training, the participants would undergo another programme focused on entrepreneurship and business management.
According to her, the follow-up training will equip the participants with the skills needed to start and manage their own businesses.
“It is not enough to learn a trade. We will also teach you the basics of running a business—financial discipline, accounting, and how to manage both people and your enterprise before entering the world of business,” she said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Healthy Living Initiative, Dr. Adam Obidike, said the training would cover areas such as solar installation, painting and tricycle repairs.
He disclosed that out of the 10,800 applicants who applied for the programme, only 100 were selected after a rigorous screening process.
“The training will last for two months and will be closely monitored. Anyone who fails to comply with the programme rules or frequently absents themselves will be dropped,” he said.
About Author
