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A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Olorunmola Empowerment Foundation has said that Nigeria’s many idle hands is a major factor that has greatly fueled insecurity in the nation.
This is as the NGO empowered no fewer than 1,000 residents drawn from across the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State with starter packs, including sewing, grinding machines and cash gifts to ameliorate their economic challenges.
The foundation aims to bridge educational gaps and empower individuals, irrespective of age or gender by providing the necessary tools, resources and support systems to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and beyond.
Speaking at the maiden ceremony of the foundation in the Keffi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, the founder, Olorunmola Kolade, said the initiative was also to address the unique needs of different demographics and create positive impacts in Nigeria.
He said, “There are many idle hands in our country. This is the major factor that has greatly fueled insecurity in our dear nation. We want to try our best to reach out to as many that the resources in our hands can help us reach.
“So many of them will be trained in areas that will enable them to earn income that will positively transform their sources of income. This crusade will enable us to disengage many from all forms of criminalities. We are committed to nurturing people to form a circle of empowerment which would in return empower others.”
The founder of the OEF who is a stakeholder in the mining industry added that the intended empowerment across communities aims to discourage the mass exodus of young energetic youths and adults to city centres, noting that not everyone is meant for white-collar jobs.
“We are going to be correcting and moulding the mindsets of the vulnerable; Reaching out to the downtrodden through the distribution of relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons; Setting up a medical team that will offer free medical care to the people and we will also provide solar-powered boreholes in places where drinkable water is inaccessible,” he said.
While speaking on his motivation to establish the foundation, Kolade noted that he was raised by uneducated parents who were mainly subsistence farmers, therefore he did not have the privilege to enjoy the necessary amenities as a growing child.
He, however, noted that amidst all the challenges he encountered including hostile environments and gross levels of negativities, he was able to summon the courage to make something out of his life by going to school and pursuing his goals to become successful.
“My adventure into the mining industry informed me better about how people are suffering in rural communities. As I navigated through the versed landmass of our country, I saw so many children and youths suffering unimaginable hardships. Some were walking barefoot, wearing tattered rags, and there was no available medical care for most of the sick people.
“The common denominator of the whole scenario is that they need help. Therefore, I am humanly and duty-bound to extend my Corporate Social Responsibility towards the vulnerable in our society and beyond in the best way I can by the grace of God. I am committed to contributing my little quota to support the government’s efforts,” he added.
On his part, the Senior Legislative Aide, Office of the Senate President, Ahmed Tijjani who was the special guest of honour at the event, thanked the founder of OEF for giving back to the vulnerable people in the society.
“I want to thank you for putting smiles on the faces of so many people and families today. This empowerment will go a long way to help them establish businesses that will boost their finances, and that way, they will also be able to contribute to the growth of the society,” he said.
He further used the opportunity to urge other well-to-do citizens of the country to extend a helping hand to the needy and vulnerable in their respective communities to ameliorate their challenges.
One of the beneficiaries, Pheobe Yakubu who spoke on behalf of the others, expressed her gratitude to the Olorunmola Empowerment Foundation for the support and promised to use all the empowerment packages they were given including the cash gifts to improve their means of livelihoods.
Our correspondent reports that items distributed at the event which was graced by several dignitaries and traditional rulers, include sewing machines, grinding machines, sprayers, chemicals, bags of rice and cash gifts of N10 million to the beneficiaries.
