....Flags Off Training for 200 Beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District.
Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has listed the benefits of the production of local fabrics known as Adire Ekiti to the human capital development and the growth of Small and Medium Enterprise in the Land of Honour.
Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that within three months of its launch, Adire Ekiti has taken many youths off the streets, given them a source of livelihood and provided a ready market the products many of which are being demanded locally and internationally.
Besides, Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that Adire Ekiti has contributed immensely to reduction of capital flight from the state as more residents, indigenes and citizens of the state now patronize the Adire Ekiti Hub for the products rather than taking their money outside the state to purchase similar products elsewhere.
The First Lady made the remarks on Wednesday during the official flag off of the Second Phase of training of Adire Ekiti scheme for 200 beneficiaries from Ekiti South Senatorial District held at Adire Ekiti Hub, Ado Ekiti.
According to her, the commemorative attires used by the Ekiti State Councils of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unions Congress (TUC) during the last May Day Celebration were produced at the Adire Ekiti Hub by the graduands of the first batch whose products were also patronized by the House of Assembly members and the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
She said a good number of the graduands from the first batch of the scheme now have businesses of their own after being empowered with cash and start-up kits to assist them to kickstart their trade after undergoing the necessary training at the Hub.
Dr. Oyebanji noted that the success story Adire Ekiti has become should inspire the newly admitted trainees to give their best in learning the craft and responding to training to give themselves economic empowerment and also become a success story for those coming behind.
Flagging off the second phase, Dr. Oyebanji said: "This initiative represents our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while empowering our youths with valuable skills for economic independence.
"Adire, a beautiful expression of our rich cultural tapestry, holds immense potential for job creation and economic growth. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to embrace creativity, dedication, and excellence.
"The skills you acquire here will not only uplift you individually but also contribute to the collective prosperity of our state.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners and trainers for their support. Together, we are building a brighter future for Ekiti State."
The First Lady however, appreciated her husband Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for making available his personal money to support her initiative noting that the scheme wouldn't have been possible without the support of the state's number one citizen.
Earlier in her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who led political office holders from Ekiti South Senatorial District to the training flag off, said the Oyebanji Administration accords priority to entrepreneurship to boost the local economy and create more jobs.
Mrs Afuye hailed the Governor and the First Lady for their commitment in using Adire Ekiti to bring the shared prosperity agenda of the administration into reality noting that history would be kind to them for touching many homes in the state with the laudable initiative.
She said the First Lady has immortalized herself in the hearts of the beneficiaries as none of them would easily forget her gesture of coming up with the economic initiative adding that the Oyebanji Administration would continue to come up with policies that will make the lives of the citizens better.
While describing Adire Ekiti as an empowerment opportunity that must be taken seriously, the Deputy Governor urged the trainees to use the scheme to develop themselves noting that they could become millionaires in the future from the Adire business because of its bright prospects in the local and international markets.
Technical Advisor to the Governor on Enterprise Development who is also the Coordinator of Adire Ekiti Hub, Dr. Abimbola Oni, said the training of beneficiaries from Ekiti South was in fulfillment of the First Lady's vision to give opportunities to trainees from all the three senatorial zones.
She thanked individuals and groups who have patronized the Adire Ekiti Hub noting that demands for the products are increasing everyday from within and outside Nigeria.
The ALGON Chairman in the state, Hon. Olusegun Ojo, said Adire Ekiti has positively projected the image of the state within the short time of its existence urging the trainees to see the training as stepping stone to greatness.
Hon. Ojo, the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government who led other Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas from Ekiti South to the flag off ceremony, said the council chiefs would continue to support Governor Oyebanji to take the state to greater heights.
One of the trainees, Mrs. Yetunde Adamu, appreciated the Governor and the First Lady for the opportunity and promised the readiness of the trainees to give the training their best shot for them to become a success story and even do better than members of the first batch.
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