A new chapter was opened in the history of Idọ-Òṣun as the Alayemore of Ido-Osun Kingdom, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotọla, led a first-of-its-kind empowerment and scholarship initiative in the ancient town.
The initiative was held on Wednesday at the Palace of the monarch.
Speaking at the event, the monarch described the programme as historic, noting that it was designed to uplift youths and encourage education and self-reliance.
No fewer than 50 beneficiaries received vocational tools, including welding machines, hairdressing kits, grinding machines and barbing equipment, aimed at promoting skills acquisition and reducing poverty.
The monarch also honoured outstanding students, including top performers from the Federal University of Technology. Among them, one engineering student emerged as the overall best graduating student, while three others received awards and cash gifts in recognition of their academic excellence.
Oba Olojudo acknowledged the sponsors of the programme, thanking Otunba Tayese of Idọ-Òṣun, Otunba Serif and Salimot Abdul Salam for their support, and offered prayers for continued divine blessings upon them.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the items, stressing that the empowerment was meant to create a lasting change.
According to him, the initiative was carefully planned to reach those in genuine need, with assurances that more beneficiaries would be considered in the future.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. A student, Ibikunle Tawio Rachel, described the assistance as an unexpected blessing, encouraging fellow students to work hard and remain focused. Another beneficiary, Odeyemi Roqeeb, thanked the monarch for the empowerment, saying it would positively impact his future.
The empowerment programme ended with a renewed hope, as community leaders and indigenes of Ido-Osun, applauded the monarch’s commitment to education, skill development and grassroots empowerment in Idọ-Òṣun.
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