FLAG OFF OF 2022/2023 SKILLS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM BY DPAT FOUNDATION (NGO)

DPAT foundation, a duly registered and government recognized NGO has flagged off it’s 2022/23 skills empowerment program with the theme: “ARRESTING POVERTY IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY”. The event took place at its office in Gwagwalada, Abuja. It was attended by stakeholders, partners and dignitaries from all walks of life, and some government agencies such as National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA); Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA); Bank of Industry (BOI); Air Wave Limited (AWL); and Bank of Agriculture (BOA); Others include Alhaji Idris Mohammed, Chief of trade (Sarkin Sana’ar Hannu), Gwagwalada Area Council, Area Commander, Police Community Relations Committee and several other dignitaries and women groups.

The National President/Founder, DPat Foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey, addressing guests and participants at the events.

In her opening speech, President/ Founder DPAT foundation Elder (Mrs.) Patience Ardey said the foundation was established in 1986 here in Abuja. Since then the foundation has been training individuals and women groups on skills acquisition. She said several persons have benefited from various skills acquisition programs that the foundation has been offering. Some of skills include fashion designing, catering, and confectionery, computer training, hair dressing etc. Speaking further, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey said the foundation has also helped several existing business and individuals to acquire more technical knowhow and achieve remarkable growth in their businesses thereby contributing to economic growth and development. She said DPAT foundation has acted as a bridge since 1986, connecting various government agencies such as Bank of Industry (BOI); Bank of Agriculture (BOA); National Directorate of Employment (NDE); Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMWA); Air Wave Limited (AWL); and others to the grassroots women and youths which they would not have been able to reach successfully. This linkage has helped the government in no small measure to achieve their set goals and objectives and reach the grassroots people with their various programs. In his paper presentation, the representative of National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Chimereze Noble said the agency has had a very long standing and useful relationship with DPAT Foundation.

A Representative of the Abuja Enterprise Agency giving participants business growth tips

He emphasized the importance of small businesses to the growth of the economy and that the President/Founder of DPAT Foundation has helped lots of rural Women and youths in their entrepreneurship journey. He expressed satisfaction with the growth of the foundation over the years and her numerous achievements. According to him, “women always multiply whatever is given to them and this is true of DPAT Foundation. “Mr. Ohalaba Isaiah, who represented Bank of Agriculture (BOA); at the occasion talked on available loan packages with single digit interest rate specially designed for women and small scale businesses. He encouraged entrepreneurs to start small and grow their businesses. He advised them not to depend on loans to start their business but rather see loans as an avenue to grow their existing business.

The representative of Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), Mr. Orji Stephen said the agency has been partnering with DPAT foundation since 2011 and they have had a very good relationship so far. In his paper which he presented at the occasion, he said the entrepreneur is a problem solver and a person who is ready to take calculated risks. Speaking further, he said the entrepreneur must have a passion for the business, must be a good negotiator and have people management skills in order to succeed. Highlighting some of the traits of an entrepreneur, he said, they always seek or look out for opportunities, have passion in the business, be persistent, goal setting and planning which must be written down, good quality products and good packaging, networking and persuasive, while having a good dose of self-confidence. Mr. Orji said successful entrepreneurs always look out for a problem to solve and make meaning out of it, while preparing themselves for the ups and downs of the business.

Representative of of the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Gwagwalada.

Security concerns also came to the fore as ASP Esther Emmanuel representing the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Gwagwalada and Elder Taofik, PRO of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) gave brief talks on the need for individuals to participate in community policing and also oblige the Police of useful information that could assist their work. ASP Esther Emmanuel emphasized the importance of alerting the police if we noticed any suspicious things going on in our environment.

A senior officer of the Nigerian Police orienting participants on security tips

Alhaji Idris Mohammed, Sarkin Sana’ar Hannu of Gwagwalada Area Council was full of praises for Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey and DPAT Foundation because he is a beneficiary of the good works of the foundation. He said he draws a great deal of inspiration from Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey. He advised youths to learn valuable skills that will help them in life. “Handwork helps to reduce crime in the society”, he said. A goodwill message was also delivered by Mr. Nwaiwu Collins representative of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

Sarikin Sana'ar Hannu of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Idris Mohammed at the event

Some exhibition photos of the event.

The eventful and well packaged program ended with an exhibition show. The exhibition session was led by president of the foundation, Elder Mrs. Patience Ardey as she took the dignitaries round the various stands where trainees and graduands of DPAT foundation showcase their products and businesses. It was a beautiful and inspiring outing as partners, stakeholders and guests went round to see the products, goods and services on display and also engaged the business owners in conversation.

Some of the products on display includes paint products, organic fertilizer production, caterers, and school owners, building materials traders, fashion designers, process foodstuffs, nutritionist and organic health persons, plumbing experts, ICT etc. The event ended in a happy and satisfactory note for stakeholders, partners, exhibitors and all guests that were present.