…Organizes training for data collectors, mobilizer
Ekiti State government, through the Widows and Orphans Hope Project”, the pet project of the first lady of the state, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji has commenced the process for collation of data of widows and orphans in the state.
The data collation effort is in preparation for poverty alleviation targeted at vulnerable groups in Ekiti State.
Speaking yesterday at the opening ceremony, wife of the State Governor, said that the project was borne out of the desire to make meaningful impact in the lives of widows and orphans across the length and breath of the state, regardless of political affiliations, status and creed.
She explained that the project was designed to contribute to the overall advancement of widows and orphans,as well as assist them to achieve self reliant, sustain livelihood, promote gender equality, and strengthen the socio-economic indices in the community they live.
The governor’s wife, therefore, expressed optimism that the project would provide the necessary resources needed to bring them out of poverty and fulfilling lives.
“I believe through education, knowledge sharing, training, job Creation, skill acquisition and access to loans and grants for small and micro businesses to build better future and provide basic necessities of life,” she added.
Earlier, the state’s Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaja Abibat Adubiaro, said that the living conditions of widows in most cases are pathetic, while children without parents could be exposed to banditry and other crimes.
In their good will messages, the programme consultants Dr Abayomi Oshatimi and Dr Jimlas Ogunsakin said that the creation of data for the vulnerable groups became imperative so as to provide assistance to them where necessary.
Representatives of religious groups,
Including Government House Chief Imam, Alhaji Abdulfatai Olorunkemi and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman in the state, Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, called for support for the project, saying that it would make the vulnerable groups self reliant, reduce poverty among them as well as stem the tide of incidence of crimes being perpetrated by children without parents.
The programme was attended by the Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Adetunji; State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Chairman, Mr Sina Ogunleye among others.