The Bishop of the diocese of Lagos West Anglican communion, Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has described skill acquisition as one of the most viable means of killing poverty.
Bishop Odedeji said this at the graduation ceremony of Students of the Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre of the Diocese of Lagos West at the Caroline Adefiola Women Centre in the Ipaja area of Lagos State on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
30 students graduated from the centre with various skills ranging from fashion designing to crafts, including hairdressing and cosmetology, catering, and hospital management, among others.
Bishop Odedeji said “skill acquisition is critical in the present economy”, adding that it is better to equip people and teach them how to make money than giving them money.
“Many of these young people come here and want us to give them free money. But we insist on giving them skills that could help enhance their livelihood. And it has paid off over the years,” the cleric stated.
He said many of those who could not marry because of funds are now working and are able to settle down maritally.
Odedeji said: “They had nothing doing before but they are now involved in some meaningful trade.
“I have attended over 10 wedding ceremonies of such people since we started equipping them with skills which has made them to start making money.”
Earlier in his keynote address titled, “Embracing the Future with Skill, Purpose, and Resilience”, Odedeji expressed great joy at the event.
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Addressing the graduates, Bishop Odedeji said: “You’re leaving this institution equipped not just with knowledge, but with practical abilities that the world urgently needs.
“Whether you are entering the workforce, starting your own business, or furthering your education, your vocational training has prepared you for real-world impact.”
Odedeji urged the graduating students to work with the mind of excellence, saying: “Success is not just about having skills; it’s about how you use them.
“Do everything with excellence and integrity. Whether you are a carpenter, a fashion designer, an IT technician, a chef, or a healthcare professional, your work should reflect your passion and commitment to quality. A good name, built on honesty and hard work, will take you farther than any certificate alone.”
The coordinator of the centre, Ven Ariire Ayo Kolawole, expressed gratitude to God for the grace of the centre.
Kolawole said when the diocese was sending candidates to Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, for the training, they always did well and outshined others.
“Now that there is a centre that is well equipped in the diocese many will have the opportunity of benefitting from the training,” he added.
Some awards were given to the best instructor at the centre and the best graduating students of the centre.
The best graduating student, Kelechi Ajero Gift, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, thanked the diocese for investing in them while also promising that they will be good ambassadors of the diocese in the labour market.
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