Kwara Government partners with NGO to Empower 1,300 Out-of-School Girls
The Kwara State Government, in partnership with ABYEM Helping Aid Foundation, is set to empower 1,300 out-of-school girls across all 16 local government areas through education and vocational training. Targeting girls aged 15-25, including street hawkers and beggars, the initiative aims to reintegrate them into formal education or equip them with marketable skills for economic independence.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe emphasized the urgent need to address the rising number of out-of-school children. ABYEM’s CEO, Prince Abiodun Otepola, highlighted plans to assess affected girls, provide vocational training in 20 centres, and support those willing to return to school. The government, in collaboration with the World Bank, will offer financial assistance to encourage education. Parents Teachers Association Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, urged stakeholders to address the root causes of school dropouts and extend support to boys and young men facing similar challenges.
