The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has pledged his unwavering support to all aspiring entrepreneurs in Ogbomosoland.
During the presentation of business tools worth N150 million to 102 Indegenes of Ogbomoso on Thursday, the monarch made a promise to remain open to their concerns, aspirations, and suggestions.
The beneficiaries across the five local government areas were given items such as industrial sewing machines, motorcycle tricycles, deep freezers, generators, and hair dryers.
The empowerment programme, which kicked off the coronation of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, is an Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O-First Group) initiative in conjunction with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Oba Olaoye said in his speech, “Since my confirmation by the government of Oyo State and subsequent installation as the Soun of Ogbomoso, I have emphasised consistently that the comprehensive development of Ogbomosoland would, by the grace of God, be central to my reign as the Soun. I also emphasised that, commencing immediately, lifting our people across all five local governments out of poverty lines will be pursued evenly, with vigour, determination, collaboration, and synchronisation among those facilitating.”
“Altogether, this phase covers 102 indigenes of Ogbomosoland, and this is only the beginning of good things to come. As we progress, the nature of empowerment in terms of tools, skills, and opportunities will become diverse and applicable in the current global environment and labour market.
While appreciating the Ogbomoso First Group for their unwavering commitment to the development of Ogbomosoland, the monarch also thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for their collaboration in bringing the initiative to fruition. “The people of Ogbomosoland shall continue to strengthen the existing network with the government and also build new ones. We shall attract more development initiatives and projects to the land.” He said
Oba Soun while congratulating the beneficiaries, warns them against selling the items “These are not gifts that should be taken for granted. Rather, they are tools that present great opportunities to unlock your potential and contribute to the economic growth of our community. I urge you to embrace this gesture with enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility and to recognize the tool given to you as coming from God. Remember, the success of your business ventures will benefit yourselves and your families and create jobs and opportunities for others within our city.”
“For your information, a monitoring mechanism has been set up in the palace and with the O-First Group to track the utilization of these items. You are also reminded that following the signed agreement, you are to guide against misuse and sale of these items, as such would attract legal action and jeopardise the interest of your guarantors. ” He concluded
Sir Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, OON, KJW, President, Ogbomoso First Community Initiative (O-First Group), in his remarks, said the event is not only to celebrate the coronation of our new Soun but also to witness a testament to his commitment to improving the socio-economic status of our people in Ogbomosoland through empowerment programs and initiatives.
“Your Imperial Majesty, we are honoured to be part of your vision to uplift the economic status of indigent Ogbomoso citizens. We are similarly grateful that you have graced this occasion with your presence. We believe your leadership will guide us towards a brighter future for Ogbomosoland.
Engineer Sola Gbolahan, a Federal Ministry of Work representative, commended the O’First and lawmakers from the area for facilitating the items for Indigenous people and urged beneficiaries to use them wisely.
Other speakers at the event, including Akogun Bolaji Adigun, Hon Segun Dokun Odebubmi, and Professor Arinlade Jekayinfa, appreciated Ogbomoso’s first group for deeming it fit to honour the Kabiesi with such an empowerment program in their various speeches.
Some beneficiaries appreciate Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and Ogbomoso’s first group for considering them worthy of such honour and pray for a peaceful and productive reign.
