About 100 people living with disabilities have been trained and given starter kits including laptops and cash to start businesses, in a scheme organised by the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Olaide Akinremi.
In addition, elderly and physically challenged people also received kits and monetary support for small-scale businesses as a means of empowerment.
Hon Akinremi organised the training in collaboration with the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) and stated that the effort was part of his philosophy of “teaching the people to fish rather than giving them fish.”
Last week, another batch of persons living with disabilities was trained and empowered also by Akinremi popularly known as Jagaban, with laptops and cash also given to them at conclusion of their training programme on sundry skills.
Akinremi said it was his commitment to continue to provide his constituents with the wherewithal to start their own businesses, and told political leaders at the gathering that he was not going to shirk his responsibility to the people of Ibadan North.
At the closing ceremony of the training and empowerment programme held on Saturday at the Prince Akinremi Jagaban Hall, Samonda, Ibadan, the beneficiaries thanked Akinremi for the gesture and explained that they were better equipped to use their skills to strive for a better life.
Michael Adegbuyi, media aide to the Ibadan North Rep said: “Professional artisan groups and associations also contributed members to this latest empowerment programme. They included hairdressers and tailors from across Ibadan North. Their members were given standing hair dryers and sewing machines respectively.
“Also, a number of traders were given refrigerators to assist in their cooling business. These sets of beneficiaries were also given cash in addition to the items.”
The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaji Taofeeq Olayiwola and members of the party’s executive in the local government also hailed Akinremi, saying Ibadan North Federal Constituency had become the envy of many other federal constituencies because of the work their Rep.
According to Adegbuyi, Oyo State APC Women leader, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, Alhaji Akibu Animashaun, Hon. Akeem Adebiyi, Chief Mrs. Wemimo Beckley, Prince Oyelade Gbadebo, were also in attendance.
The APC chiefs lauded Akinremi for his continuous empowerment drive which they said had benefitted thousands of Ibadan North constituents.
. TheWitness
