In a view to reintegrating and reviving girls who quit prostitution, the Blossom Girls Outreach Foundation has empowered four ladies with skills and grants to start a new life.
The empowerment which was held in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Monday, had in attendance the representative of the First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, the special adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, Kamil Aransi, among others.
Speaking on behalf of Mrs Adeleke, Mrs Omolade Adebimpe, commended the contribution of the foundation towards cleansing and rehabilitating the society.
She said, “I acknowledge the great contribution of Blossom Girls Outreach Foundation under the stewardship of Mrs Doreen Omosele and Mr Aaron Omosele for doing a great assistance in cleansing the society and rehabilitation movement projected towards achieving a sanner environment, reflecting our shared commitment to the principles of living a worthy live.
“Osun state government under the leadership of my husband, Sen Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State has put in place several interventions in the state to address challenges being faced by young ladies, part of which are moves to make education more accessible and attractive, empowerment through grants and so on in order to continue to prioritize their welfare and livelihood with all seriousness.
“Several awareness and advocacy initiative have been sponsored through my office in collaboration with my NGO, Imole Osun Development and Rekindled Hope Foundation aimed at promoting self sustainability within the female folks”, she explained further.
She also appealed to young ladies to shun all acts and peer groups that can jeopardise their future while admonishing parents and guardians to correct their children with love and lead by good examples.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special needs, Kamil Aransi applauded the foundation and also the ladies for finding the strength and motivation to live a better life while encouraging them to make judicious use of the grant given to them.
“Blossom Girls Outreach Foundation has provided you with a safe space, support, and the tools to rebuild your lives. Today, as you graduate from this programme, remember that you are not just survivors; you are warriors.
“Let’s commit to supporting one another. Let’s continue to fight against the stigma surrounding survivors of exploitation and ensure that every young woman has the opportunity to succeed”, he charged.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Doreen Omosele encouraged parents to treat their children with love while calling on government to focus more on empowering women.
“Many giris would have achieved a great feat in life if there was a different exposure to life, than the rude awakening they got.
“The traumatic effect of sexual abuse and inadequate parenting has taken a toll on many girls who are now women.
“Parents should raise their children with love, focus on their development as most of the girls involved in such deal are those lacking proper parenting.
It is also important that government focus more on empowering girls and women. It is important that they have somewhere to seek go for legitimate assistance rather than follow peer pressure”, she said.
One of the rescued girls, simply identified as Bolu, disclosed that she was lured into prostitution in Dubai, UAE, by her father with whom she has separated since childhood, describing her escape from the trade as a miracle.
