Founder of Tomiwa Aregbesola Foundation, Tomiwa Aregbesola, has said that the high unemployment rate among Nigerian youth can be reduced by engaging them in acquiring essential entrepreneurial skills, which would expose them to countless opportunities.
Disclosing this while distributing working equipment to some youths who had acquired skills in fashion and designing, ICT, hairdressing and make-up Art in Akure, Ondo State, yesterday, Aregbesola said: “Today, we come together not only to commend the success of our youths but also to reaffirm our dedication to empowering future generations and supporting the most vulnerable in our communities—our widows. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes, the significance of skill acquisition is more crucial than ever. The strength of any society lies in the empowerment of its youth.
“Armed with relevant, innovative, and essential skills for entrepreneurial endeavours, they stand at the threshold of countless opportunities. With the proper support and resources, these young individuals can harness the skills they have acquired and turn them into enterprises that sustain their families and contribute to the broader economy.
“Today, we celebrate the brilliance of these graduates and our commitment to providing them with the tools necessary for success.
“With the equipment provided today, we enable hands-on learning and pave the way for self-employment and entrepreneurial pursuits.”
Tomiwa, therefore, encouraged the beneficiaries of the equipment, saying, “You, our young graduates, are the visionaries of tomorrow; you are innovators, dreamers, and change-makers. As you step into the world with your newfound skills, remember this: entrepreneurship is not merely about starting a business; it encompasses creativity, resilience, and the determination to improve your circumstances.”
Also speaking at the distribution programme, the founder of St Gabriel Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Foundation, Adebayo Ayodele, assured that the beneficiaries were trained for three years in the skills, saying they would all use the equipment.
Over 60 people benefitted from the equipment, and 50 widows received textile materials and cash gifts.
In his address, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Taiwo Fasoranti, commended the founder of Tomiwa Aregbesola Foundation for the gesture.
He, therefore, called on philanthropists to look into empowering the youth and widows to reduce unemployment and poverty in society.
The royal father of the day, the Deji and Paramount Ruler of the Akure kingdom, HOba Ogunlade Aladelusi, commended Tomiwa Aregbesola, saying what he has done will spur many Akure indigenes to emulate him.
He tasked all the beneficiaries to use the equipment to better their lives and look forward to giving back to society in the future.
Also, Senior High Chief Olufemi Bello, the Odopetu of Akure kingdom, enjoined the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity presented to them by Tomiwa Aregbesola and shape their future.
Reacting to the gesture, Owoseni Oluwabunmi, 25, one of the sewing machine beneficiaries, disclosed that she could not procure a sewing machine since she had completed her training.
She appreciated the philanthropic gesture of the founder of the Tomiwa Aregbesola Foundation and promised to hit the ground running.
Another beneficiary, Ikuomola Comfort, 29, appreciated the sponsor for considering the indigents in the society. She disclosed that getting a sewing machine to work with had been her challenge since she completed her training.
The tools distributed to the beneficiaries include Sewing machines, hair dryers, laptop computers, make-up kits, textile materials and cash gifts.
Among the dignitaries present at the event is the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ondo State, Taiwo Fasoranti represented by Ileola Adegoroye, Executives Director, Corporate Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC), Ifedayo Abegunde and his wife, High Chief Asae of Akure kingdom, Adegbonmire, and the organiser’s father, Akin Aregbesola.
Others are the chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, Gbenga Fasua, the wife of the organiser, Lolade Aregbesola and many other dignitaries.
