Kwara South Senator Trains Artisans, To Provide Start-ups

Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Architect Oyelola Ashiru on Tuesday commenced a large-scale acquisition training and empowerment programme for artisans across the zone.

The programme held simultaneously at OMDA Hall (behind Freedom Hotel) and MC Hall in Emiola area, Offa, Kwara State.

Participants include mechanics, tailors, barbers, hairdressers, and other skilled tradesmen/women. The training facilitated by Senator Ashiru is being implemented by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Mrs. Sunmonu Olajumoke, a representative of SMEDAN, said the agency would carry out post-empowerment assessments to evaluate the progress of the beneficiaries and ensure they are economic independent.

Speaking during the opening session, the Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South, Alhaja Mujidat Amototo, charged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.

She warned against the temptation to sell the equipment that will be provided to them after the training, noting that the empowerment is designed to lift them out of poverty and make them self-reliant.

Engr. Femi Muhammed, a consultant from Ambidextrous General Contracting Ltd, similarly urged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that the initiative is a rare opportunity to access knowledge and resources that can transform their businesses.

FactualTimes gathered that participants are expected to receive start-ups during last day of the skill acquisition program on Wednesday at Parliament Hall, Offa.