By Julius Alabi, Akure
No fewer than 300 entrepreneurs trained in Akoko North West Constituency 2 in Ondo state on Small Scale Enterprises have received cash backing to begin a new life in their respective areas.
The beneficiaries who are mainly youths and adults were drawn from various communities in the constituency.
A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senatorial Aspirant, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade (Rtd) gave out the cash backing after the completion of their training at Irun Akoko in Ondo state. He said the programme was designed to alleviate the abject poverty confronting his people in the area.
Alade noted that similar programme has been carried out in the communities in Constituency 1 of the local government which includes Okeagbe, Oyin, Arigidi, Ajowa, Iyani, Gedegede, Erusu, Ibaram, Ikaram, and Iye.
His words: “This programme was brought to existence because I see that youth are agitating and struggling for something to do that will be giving them daily bread. That made me devise this means to subject the youths to skills training through which their daily bread will be delivered to their various tables.
“I will always like to see youths growing and doing well. My objective is to eradicate joblessness among the youths in my area and other parts of Ondo North Senatorial District,” Alade said.
The retired Naval brass said the beneficiaries were trained in various skills free of charge.
He said they have been trained in soap making, cosmetology, caking and confectioneries makeover and leatherwork among others.
Various gifts were presented to Rear Admiral Alade Rtd from the handiwork of the participants which include a bag of different modern make-up utensils, a lovely cake, Small chops, Fish roll, Egg roll and many other snacks which were all produced by the young entrepreneurs, while the Leather department presented Bag, palm sandals, Earings, purse, etc.
The event. which was graced by eminent personalities including the Owa of Ogbagi Land, Eleshe of Eshe, The Lord Bishop of Akoko Diocese, Rt Rev JO Bada and his wife.
Others are, former Speaker of the Ondo House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Oluwasegunota Bolarinwa , Ogbagi APC Leader, Hon. Alhaji Oloruntoba, Alhaji Kilani, Hon. Makanjuola, Mrs. Kolawole, Hon. Musa Olasehinde, Alhaji Areje, Chief Mrs. Oshadahun, Engr. Mrs. Adams Stella, former Akoko North local government Chairman Hon.Ogunmilade AKA (Aboy), Otunba Rotimi Idowu Oriky, Hon Frank Oloruntoba, Hon Mrs Hellen Oluwasola from AKOKO South West among others.