The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, has reaffirmed his commitment to reducing poverty and unemployment through targeted empowerment initiatives across Ogun State, particularly in the Ogun West region.
Speaking during the launch of his seven-day Mega Empowerment Programme at Customs Barracks, Idiroko, Ipokia Local Government Area, Senator Adeola, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, explained that the initiative was deliberately structured to equip people with skills and tools for self-sufficiency.
“As a legislator of over 22 years at both state and federal levels, I have made it a paramount duty to ensure that as many youths and women as possible are trained and empowered to stand on their own.”
“This programme is part of my continuous efforts towards effective representation, supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Adeoi
The lawmaker emphasized that the empowerment initiative was non-discriminatory, targeting youths and women across tribal, religious, and political lines within the senatorial district.
According to him, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training, coupled with educational qualifications, are crucial in addressing the current challenges of unemployment and underemployment in the country.
“In today’s Nigeria, it is not enough to be educated alone,” Adeola stressed. “Relevant skills and entrepreneurship development are essential assets in generating income and creating sustainable livelihoods.”
The ongoing programme features extensive training in entrepreneurship development and skills acquisition for selected women and youths in Ipokia and other parts of Ogun West.
Participants are set to receive equipment, cash grants, and startup tools to immediately commence their businesses and start earning.
In collaboration with institutions such as the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan; Federal Cooperative College, Oji River; Michael Imoudu Labour Centre; Federal College of Fishery and Marine Technology; SMEDAN; NCAM; and the National Productivity Centre, the empowerment drive recorded significant distributions.
Beneficiaries received 10 mini buses, 37 tricycles, 50 motorcycles, 60 welding machines, 80 deep freezers, 28 generators, and 61 vulcanizing machines.
In addition, the programme provided 107 grinding machines, 66 sewing machines, 12 embroidery machines, 299 sets of hairdressing equipment, 388 agricultural value chain support tools, 61 barbing kits, 542 school bags, and five 500 KVA transformers.
Senator Adeola urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously, stating, “I encourage all recipients to diligently apply the skills they have learnt, not just for personal upliftment but for the overall socio-economic development of our communities.”
He further assured the people of Ogun West of his unwavering commitment to ensuring that they continue to feel the impact of his representation through practical initiatives that foster economic empowerment and self-reliance.
