As part of plans to tackle rising unemployment in the country, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has unveiled a local fabric hub and training centre, Adire Ekiti Hub, to give economic empowerment to the unemployed youths and widows in the state.
A total number of 220 beneficiaries made up of 200 young citizens and 20 tailors drawn from across Ekiti Central Senatorial District began the training sponsored by the Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji in partnership with Nike Okundaye Art Foundation.
The 220 beneficiaries are expected to undergo two weeks of intensive training on the intricacies of tie and dye at the training facility dedicated to the project which was commissioned by Governor Oyebanji.
The building housing the Adire Ekiti Hub was donated by the former lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and immediate past Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
Speaking during the launch of the Adire Hub on Monday, Dr. Oyebanji said the initiative would benefit the state in the provision of livelihoods, promotion of entrepreneurship as well as economic empowerment.
The governor’s wife, who is also the initiator of the Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, said she envisioned “a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of Ekiti state.”
Dr. Oyebanji said the opening of the Adire Ekiti Hub marked the beginning of a new chapter for the people of the state which holds the promise of long-term benefits for the beneficiaries, and local economy and building a brighter future for the coming generations.
She said: “The Adire Ekiti Hub represents a platform for creativity, skill development, and collaboration. It is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation and building a brighter future for the people of Ekiti state.
“Through this initiative, we envision a community of skilled artisans, vibrant entrepreneurs, and a thriving Adire industry that contributes to the growth and prosperity of our state.”
Governor Oyebanji who charged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunities offered by the Adire Ekiti scheme which include self-sustenance, productivity and becoming job creators rather than job seekers emphasized that “provision of palliatives cannot solve Nigeria’s problems.”
He promised that his administration would support the beneficiaries to stand on their own, give them opportunities to access soft loans and market advising anyone among them who saw the scheme as another opportunity for free money to perish the thought as they will be strictly monitored to follow the terms of the scheme.
The governor said: “Government cannot give everybody employment; it is good to be educated, your education will prepare you to do better in whatever area of life you find yourself so, don’t see this as a share of the national cake. The challenges we have with programmes like this will be put behind you to ensure that you overcome them.
“We are going to hand-hold you, to train you, and not to leave you alone because that is the problem of many government interventions. We are going to monitor you to the level that you will become independent and become employers of labour. If we do 200 per senatorial district, that is 600 (across the state) and you can now know the multiplier effects.
“A time is coming when all of you will not be able to meet up with the demands (for your product), that is what I want to see. By the time we are doing one year anniversary of this project, we will call you back to tell your success stories.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
