Kunle Adelabu
-Previous, new beneficiaries describe initiative as impactful, commendable
33 youths across the six Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ikorodu Division area of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, were, on Saturday, October 5, 2021, empowered with equipment of skills they have acquired.
The empowerment, which was the third edition in the series, is the initiative of the Ikorodu Division Youth Initiative (IDYI) being sponsored by Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State.
The initiative was tagged, ‘Ikorodu Division Youth Empowerment’.
At the event which was held at the Oba Semiudeen Kasali Hall, Rotary Vocational Centre, Igbogbo, 13 youths were given sewing machines, while ten were presented with Hairdressing equipment and ten others received Makeup kits.
Also, several others were equally given necessary equipment for their respective trades.
The beneficiaries of the Sewing machines, Make – up kits and Hairdressing equipment were trained at the Rotary Vocational Centre in Igbogbo.
Meanwhile, some of the previous beneficiaries of the empowerment programme at the presentation ceremony described the initiative as impactful.
Fortress Uliich, one of the beneficiaries of the sewing machines in the second edition of the empowerment programme, said that the equipment that she was given has really impacted on her.
“I was training at the Rotary Vocational Centre where I was called for this empowerment programme. I did not know anybody among the organizers but I was given the equipment of my trade which has really been of great help to me as a student”, she said.
Fatimot Ewatoye, another past beneficiary who was also given a sewing machine, speaking on the impact of the equipment, said that it has been a source of livelihood to her.
“I was a student of the Rotary Vocational Centre and also one of the beneficiaries of this (IDYI) empowerment last year.
“The equipment has been a great blessing to me because I have been using it to work and it has been providing me with means of livelihood”, she said.
In his remarks, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, chieftain of the Governance Advisory Committee (GAC) Lagos State, commended Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture, for partnering Ikorodu youth organization to empower young persons.
He charged beneficiaries to also develop the spirit of giving when they are in a position to give back to the society just as they are benefitting from the Commissioner’s gesture.
“Today, we are celebrating youths moving forward”, the elder statesman said.
“This edifice (Rotary Vocational Centre) has proven that it is not just for decoration because we have heard and seen that it has been training our youths and many of those that have been trained here are being supported.
“I say congratulations to all the graduates for benefitting in this empowerment programme. Whenever you get into a position like Bisola (Commissioner for Agriculture) , don’t hesitate to give back” Asiwaju Basorun charged them.
“You have been trained by this centre, but Bisola has supported you to be empowered.
“Bisola has distinguished herself with her performance which is why she was promoted from the position of a Special Adviser to that of a Commissioner.
“Let’s continue to appreciate, pray and thank her for what she is doing.
“Do not disappoint her but ensure that you make good use of the equipment that you have been given”.
The foremost community leader also commended IDYI for creating the platform to develop youths by creating synergy with the Commissioner and the Rotary Vocational Centre.
Stating that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is expected to do more in the area of training and empowering Nigerians, the elder statesman said that they are working to ensure that the Directorate works in that direction.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), IDYI, Dr Abiodun Fatai Abatan, speaking earlier, described the programme as historic while charging beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture and support by the Commissioner.
“We are making history today because history has vindicated us repeatedly in what we are doing. We are one of the very few forward – looking organizations in Lagos State”, he said.
“When the ‘NotTooYoungToRun’ campaign started about five years ago, many did not believe in the campaign. They said that we were part of the problems and that we are going to succumb once we are bought over but today, what we are seeing is part of what we have been doing to impact on the youths .
“What we are all witnessing today is a testimony of what we have been doing and could still do.
“We have had a lot of programmes that have to do with youths’ involvement in politics, active engagements in community activities and empowerment”.
The BOT Chairman appreciated Commissioner Bisola Olusanya for partnering with IDYI and for supporting youth development in Ikorodu.
“We have to appreciate Ms Bisola Olusanya for joining hands with IDYI to better the Iives of young people through empowerment”, Dr Abatan said.
“IDYI has lived to its billing and today, it is one of the active youth organizations that you can find in Lagos State”.
While charging beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment given to them free, Dr Abatan also added that IDYI has put in place a mechanism to monitor how they are making use of the empowerment equipment presented to them.
“I want all beneficiaries to make good use of this opportunity by putting the equipment that they have been given to good use, and through this,they will make it possible for others to also benefit from the empowerment.
“IDYI, as a body, has a mechanism to monitor and supervise what you are doing with the equipment and we have the capacity to also measure if the programme is making the desired impact for further continuation. I hope that our beneficiaries this year will make us proud and give us reason to continue with this programme”.
The Executive Director, IDYI, Samson Bisiriyu said that the empowerment programme was initiated to support young people in Ikorodu who are interested in learning skills but do not have means of getting necessary equipment needed to start what they have acquired.
Azeez Abosede, a resident of Elepe in Igbogbo/Bayrki LCDA who received training on Make – up and received Make-up kits, said that he would start a business immediately.
“I intend to start up a business with it. It’s a good thing that they gave us the equipment. Once I start the business, I won’t have to rely on anybody else”, he said.
“I really appreciate the sponsor for doing this for us”.
Another beneficiary, Abdul Moji Amot, a resident of Odoguyan who learnt fashion designing and received a sewing machine, said that the empowerment will make him achieve his dream of being self employed.
“I will use the machine to grow myself. I want to be self-employed, that’s why I joined this organization and today, I was given a machine. I am very glad”.
Another beneficiary, Adeyemi who received make-up equipment, said that he intends to make money with it and take care of his family.
“I intend to make money with this equipment and feed my family and also do something good for myself.
“I am very happy to have these. I don’t even know what to say because I am short of words”, he said.
Others guests at the event are Mrs Risikat Adeola Onabajo, Principal, Rotary Vocational Centre, Mrs Adebowale Omolere Alonge, Vice Principal, Rotary Vocational Centre, Mrs. Bisi Bello Mustapha, a retired Head Teacher, Barr. Ade Ayeni, the representative of Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Hon Azeez Oloshugbo, former Council Leader, Ikorodu LG, Dr Abiodun Fatai Abatan, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), IDYI, Mr. Ogoluwa Godwin Oke, Member BOT, IDYI and Mr. Seun Elesho, President, I – Heroes among others.
