By Seyifunmi Odunuga
In furtherance of his massive investment in human development and capacity building, the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Monday equipped many young girls with sowing machines after successfully training them in the field of fashion designing.
Addressing newsmen during the event, the Ooni, who expressed his heartfelt joy over the success recorded through the initiative since its inception five years ago, thanked sponsors and partners, including the International Breweries, Ilesa (Maker of Trophy Lager Beer), for their support.
“I wish to call on the government at all levels and all well-meaning Nigerians to direct considerable resources in this line to create opportunities for younger people.
“When I started about six years ago, I intended to create chances for all non-disabled young persons to break through either in education or vocation. So I awarded scholarships to needy students, trained others in several vocations, including fashion designing as we have here today.
“I was so surprised when my staff in charge told me that over 1,000 persons have benefited. We now have our beneficiaries scattered all over the country studying one course or the other. At the same time, those we trained and empowered in different vocations are now financially independent and even assisting their respective homes.” The Ooni said.
Speaking on behalf of the about 50 beneficiaries, Miss Oluwaseun thanked the Ooni for the intervention, noting that it came when she almost lost focus in life.
“All I want to say is a huge thank you to Baba Oonirisa for all he has done for my colleagues and me, we hold this in very high esteem, and we pledge to make the very best out of this. Uncommon opportunity.”
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the event’s partner; International Breweries, Ilesa (Maker of Trophy Lager Beer), the organisation’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr Adewole Lawal, explained that Ooni’s initiative to make life better for all falls in line with the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We are grateful that the Ooni opened his door to us through this programme, we are proud as an organisation to profit the society, and we cannot wait to do this again.” Mr Lawal said.
