Thirty beneficiaries of the Vocational and Skill Acquisition Centre of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West graduated from the centre on Tuesday March 25.
It was a mix of glamour, emotion and gratitude as the graduates marched out to collect their certificates having been trained in different skills ranging from fashion designing, cosmetology, catering and hospitality management and a host of other trades
The Lord Bishop, Rt Revd Dr Olusola Odedeji, best graduating students, Miss Ajero Kelechi Gift and Sister Stella Ketiku, President of Ladies Christian League society of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral lkeja the body that donated the Vocational Center to the Diocese of Lagos West during the graduation ceremony
Uniqueness of the graduates
The uniqueness about the graduates of the centre is that almost 80 percent of them already had a first and second degree before coming for the training.
Before now, the diocese used to send candidates to the Skill acquisition centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. But with the new centre, located at Caroline Adefiola Women Development Centre, Ipaja, Lagos there will be no need for that.
The centre is open to people of other faiths and denominations. Just about 10 of the 30 of the fresh graduates of the centre are Anglicans according to the coordinator of the centre, Ven Aire Kolawole.
The Bishop of the diocese, The Rt. Rev Olusola Odedeji who was at the event with his wife, Dr. Lydia Odedeji expressed great joy at the outcome of the skill centre while recalling that as a young man he had tried his hands on several skills. ‘I can sew cloth and I barb. In fact I barb the hair of my children. I have a clipper at home. There is nothing as good as having a skill in life.’ He said
Odedeji’s baby
Ironically, the first baby Bishop Odedeji conducted her naming ceremony when he became a priest turned out to be the best graduating student of the skill centre .
The bishop was meeting the lady for the first time at the event which attracted a number of priests, Anglicans and individuals that helped facilitate learning at the centre.
Young people and skill
Bishop Odedeji told reporters after the event that his passion is to see to the emancipation of young people while noting that skill acquisition is critical in the present economy
He said it was better to equip people and teach them how to make money rather than giving them free money. ‘many of these young people come here and want us to give them money. But we insist on giving them skills that could help enhance their relevance. And it has paid off over the years.
He said many of those who could not marry because they had nothing doing are now involved in some meaningful trade. I have attended over 10 wedding ceremonies of people who benefitted from the skill centre we sent them to in Abeokuta
Skills open doors
Earlier in his keynote address at the event titled, “Embracing the Future with Skill, Purpose, and Resilience” Odedeji expressed great delight at the remarkable milestone.
He said, ‘Today is not just a graduation; it is a launching pad into a future filled with promise, opportunity, and responsibility.’
Having a skill according to him, is like having a key that opens doors to endless possibilities.
He told the graduating students , ‘You are 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.’
Quoting the great scientist Louis Pasteur he said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Your preparation here has given you the ability to shape your own destiny. In a world where automation and technology are reshaping industries, skilled professionals like you will always be in demand because machines may replace tasks, but they cannot replace creativity, problem-solving, and human touch.’
The Ven Arire Ayo Kolawole, Coordinator of the Center; The Lord Bishop, The Rt Revd. Dr James Olusola Odedeji; The Principal of the Center, Mr Adelugba Adedeji, and the President of the Women Organisation, Dr Mrs Lydia Kemi Odedeji during the presentation of a gift to the Principal for a job weldone at the ceremony
Excellence is key
Odedeji pleaded with the graduating students to work with excellence in mind
‘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 Anglican Bishop urged the skill oriented graduates to be resilient if they want to have lasting success. ‘There will be moments of failure, rejection, and doubt, but these are not signs to quit.
‘They are signs to grow. Every successful person has faced setbacks. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is persistence. When you face difficulties, remind yourself why you started, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.’
He also underscored their role in shaping their communities and the nation. ‘Your work will not only sustain you but will also add value to others. The skills you have gained are tools for service—whether you are fixing a broken machine, designing a building, nursing a patient, or preparing a meal, you are making a difference.’
He reminded them ‘that success is not just about personal achievement; it is also about lifting others, being ethical, and leaving a positive impact.’
He urged them, “to walk boldly into the future, believing in yourself and the skills you have acquired. Never stop learning, never stop growing, and most importantly, never stop dreaming. The world is waiting for your talents. Go and make it better’
Bishop Odedeji promised to follow up on the graduates and ensure they succeed in their business endeavours . He promised to equip them and prepare them to be employers of labour .
Coordinator
The coordinator of the centre Ven Kolawole expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to help advance humanity and impact lives through the centre . He said when the diocese was sending candidates to Abeokuta 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 opportunity of benefitting from the training.
Awards
Some awards were given to the best instructor at the centre, Mrs Adebola Olanrewaju and the best graduating student, Ajero Kelechi Gift.
Olanrewaju is Sewing and Fashion instructor while Gift also graduated from Sewing and Fashion Department.
The announcement of their names drew thunderous applause from the graduating students.
Kelechi Ajero Gift spoke on behalf of her colleagues.
She thanked the diocese for investing so much in them while also promising that they will be good ambassadors of the diocese in the labour market.
The President of the Women Organisation, Diocese of Lagos West, Dr Mrs Lydia Kemi Odedeji making a speech at the graduating ceremony
Lydia Odedeji
Wife of the Bishop, Dr. Mrs Odedeji was practically excited and full of joy during the event. She expressed deep appreciation to the Ladies League for being a blessing to the diocese while also praying that the sky will be the starting point for all the graduating students.
She said the experience of running the school which runs between six months to nine months skill acquisition programme has been quite fulfilling. ‘we must appreciate the Ladies League of Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church. They built the vocational centre and they have been a huge blessing.’
She said the centre has capacity to train about 100 people noting however that many of the people who come for the training which is at no cost to them could not endure the rigour of learning. Some of them dropped out of the programme.’
According to her, the pioneer graduates has shown that there is a great possibility ahead of them.
Principal
The Principal of the centre Mr. Adelugba Adedeji confirmed that the training period in the school was quite rigorous for some of the students. There were some who dropped out of the centre because they could not cope with the training regimen.
The event presented a great opportunity for the graduating students to showcase their skill. They brought to the graduation ground their products which was commended by many.
The diocese also equipped the graduating students with equipment for them to operate in the labour market.
Various gift items and packs ranging from hair driers, clippers, sewing machines, food mixers and many others were given to them depending on the department they finished from.
