The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has tasked well-meaning Nigerians on the need to invest in humanity through the promotion of skill acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship and human development programmes.
Oyetola noted that human capital development was necessary for nation building.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to rise and support the national dream of actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the launching of the Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s auditorium, Osun State University, Osogbo, Oyetola said the place of empowerment programmes for national growth and development cannot be overemphasized in driving the nation’s socioeconomic fortunes.
According to him, investing in women and youths would go a long way to complement government’s efforts in building a virile and healthy economy for the goodness and betterment of all.
“I am glad to be here today to witness this laudable initiative aimed at empowering women and youths to harness their potential, and succeed in different areas of endeavours.
“Today’s event is quite significant because the Foundation through its initiatives, will contribute its own quota towards inspiring the dreams of millions of Nigerian youths who make up over half of the country’s population, and our women a strong pillar for societal development.
“The empowerment of our women and youths are critical for national growth and prosperity, which is a core pillar of the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Empowering our youth population will help them unlock their potential and create a brighter future for the country, just as empowering our women will also help reduce poverty and vulnerability in society.
“I am pleased to know that even before today’s official event, the Foundation, a brainchild of Her Excellency, Otunba Grace Titilayo Tomori-Ponle, has already started ‘walking-the-talk’ in its vision to provide education, skills development and support to beneficiaries for personal and professional development”, Oyetola added.
Commending the founder, Mrs Titi Tomori-Ponle for her immense contributions towards empowering the women folks in the state in particular and Nigeria in general, Oyetola noted that the initiative would further bridge the gap between those who have and the less privileged, bring succour to many particularly the less-privileged and vulnerable in the society.
“Having known the founder, a compatriot for many years, I can attest to her big heart of compassion and dedication towards worthy causes, as well as her passion for advancing youth and women development”, Oyetola averred.
Earlier, the founder, Her Excellency, Mrs. Titilayo Tomori-Ponle revealed that the Foundation was established to deliver women and youth from unnecessary poverty throughout the state and beyond as part of efforts to contribute to national integration, growth and development.
“This initiative is set up to deliver our women and youths from the shackles of abject poverty and they would be properly engaged for productivity and prosperity.
“We are committed through this Foundation to train graduates and undergraduates in securing better future. If they engage in required skills they would not only be productive but also add value to the economy of our nation and take others off the streets”, she added.
In her lecture, the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi applauded the Foundation which she described as a round-peg-in-a-round-hole, charging Nigerian leaders to invest more in women and youths in the quest to collectively build a nation of everyone’s dream.
According to her, there should be gender-friendly legislations that would provide enabling environment for women to achieve their full potential in the country.
In their separate remarks, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; APC National Leader and former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande; Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau represented by Musa Ladan; wife of former Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and Chairman Board of Trustees of Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede extolled the founder’s vision to continuously place women and youths in their desired rightful place in the society saying “equipping youths with relevant skills would further help them contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.”
The event has in attendance, Managing Director Chief Executive Officer National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Federal Commissioner representing Osun State at the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Amidu Raheem Tadese; former Osun Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; General Alani Akinrinade (rtd.); Prof. Olu Aina; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Tunde Badmus; SSA to the President on Protocol, Issah Niniola; former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; Prince Tunde Ponle; Teleola Michael Oyegoke; traditional rulers; former state and national legislators; former cabinet members; political leaders; APC loyalists among others.
