… government is determined to do more for other groups…Mary Oso-Omotoso
By Grace Nwafor
Ekiti State Government has empowered individuals; Artisans and Private sectors selected from various Local Government Areas in the state with the aim of addressing unemployment and boosting the state’s economy.
The empowerment program which took place at Lady Jibowu Hall on Thursday featured the presentation of tools and Cash prizes to 5 groups; Barbers, Generator Mechanics, Elewe omo, Hair dressers and Beer sellers to aid their craft.
Speaking in an interview, the Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mary Oso-Omotoso disclosed that the Empowerment program is a fulfillment of the promise of the State Governor to the Artisans and Private sectors.
She said, “We held an engagement with the different associations in the private sector and the artisans as instructed by the Governor, because it’s even one of his promises to them that he will constantly engage with them to know their concerns, to also address their concerns from time to time.”
Mrs. Oso-Omotoso stated that the outcome of the engagement saw the need for financial and tools empowerment of individuals struggling with their businesses. These individuals she said, were selected by their members and presented to the office.
The DG added that the empowerment program would be extended to other associations as well in due course and urged the beneficiaries to judiciously utilize the money and tools received.
“We are still going to continue with other associations, they are a lot of them with different needs. So we have only done for 5 different groups.”
“This is not the first time that government will be embarking on financial empowerment program like this but I’m sure that with their countenance and responses, they will definitely make use of this money because this opportunity is rare.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Omotayo Adeola enjoined the beneficiaries to exude diligence in their work and properly use the resources received, while also diversifying their streams of income.
In her words,”They should utilize the equipment that they have been given. They should try and be diligent in their work and they should consider farming as an additional stream of income.”
“They should try and save on a daily basis so that they invest.”
The beneficiaries commended the empowerment strides of the governor adding that it will go a long way in propelling their businesses.
