By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a significant boost to local economic development and youth empowerment, Caritas Nigeria, the humanitarian agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, has graduated and distributed startup kits to over 111 newly skilled individuals in Erekiti, Badagry.
The initiative, designed to combat unemployment and foster self-reliance, marks a pivotal step in building sustainable livelihoods within the vibrant coastal community.
The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Methodist primary school Erekiti, was the culmination of an extensive training program funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation in conjunction with the EHJ Sisters in Badagry. With 415 participants/Beneficiary in Lagos and Ekiti state, in Lagos State 207 people were trained in Badagry and IKorodu.
The project, themed "Building Sustainable Livelihoods for Vibrant Communities," equipped participants with in-demand vocational skills. The diverse trades included Barbing, Tailoring, Bead Making, Shoe and Bag Making, Aluminum Fabrication, Phone Repair, Cosmetology, Makeup Artistry, Hairdressing, Catering, Electrical Work, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Auto Mechanics.
Babatunde Hunpe, Chairman of Badagry Local Government, who represented the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, stated, “This initiative keys directly into the THEMES+ agenda of the Lagos State Governor. Training and empowering our youths is akin to empowering an entire family, as they are the leaders of tomorrow. Providing them with the required tools to work is crucial. Now that they have been established, they need to, in turn, establish others.” He also highlighted the government's parallel efforts through its own vocational centers.
Nkese Maria Udongwu, Director of Humanitarian Services and Resources at Caritas Nigeria, explained, “Our goal is for people to become self-employed, support their families, and assist other community members. We want them to start a venture that allows them to train others, creating a ripple effect that makes entire communities sustainable.”
She urged beneficiaries not to wait for elusive white-collar jobs but to leverage their new skills, citing past success stories of graduates who have opened shops and built thriving businesses.
Rev. Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria. He framed the event as the Catholic Church in action, stating, “When we talk about salvation, it is not solely about the good of the soul. It deals with the whole human person—both spiritual and corporal. As Jesus Christ preached the word, he also fed the people.”
He advised beneficiaries to show gratitude through hard work, discipline, and perseverance, warning against the desire to get rich quickly and encouraging them not to despise small beginnings.
The beneficiaries, selected based on need without discrimination or favoritism, cutting across various religions and communities expressed profound gratitude. Wusu Mary, a makeup artistry graduate from Erekiti, shared her excitement, “I want to appreciate Caritas for this massive support. When they came to our community to collect our data, I never knew they would select me. With this makeup kit and ring light, I can now start something tangible.” Similarly, Blessing Omale, trained in tailoring, said, “I'm very grateful to Caritas and the Catholic Church. May Almighty God bless them.”