No fewer than seventy youths in Ekiti state have benefitted humanitarian gestures from a non-governmental organization Media for Human Development Foundation- MEHUMD , under the aegis of MAI INITIATIVE.
This comes as the foundation empowered the beneficiaries with vocational skills and financial assistance.
The Executive Director of MEHUMD, Ayotomiwa Ayodele at the program held in Igbemo Ekiti, Ifedara local council development area,LCDA, emphasized that “the initiative focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and promoting the holistic well-being of young men at the grassroots”.
She stressed the organization’s commitment to human development, youth empowerment, and community growth, added its her way of “raising young people who would live impactful and make the best of their youthful stage, which will, in turn, translate to better economy for the country.”
In his keynote address, the founder, House of Faith Christian Centre, Ado Ekiti, Reverend Tunde Afe, lauded MAI for the initiative and urged others to leverage their platforms to drive societal progress.
Also speaking, the Onigbemo of Igbemo Ekiti, HRM Oba Adewumi Daramola who was represented by the Edemo of Igbemo-Ekiti expressed gratitude to the organization for prioritizing human development, with a call on all participants put in to use all they have learnt with a call on them not to despise their days of little beginnings.
On their part, the panellist chief, which includes the member EKHA representing the constituency and feom Igbemo Ekiti, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu, Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Kayode Olabanji and the Director Centre for Research and Development, BOUESTI, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr. Bankole Faloye, Ceo of takeaway eateries, Mr Victor Amodu, Farmer Victor Olubayo, Hon. Godwin Adoga all urged the beneficiaries to shun vices and substance abuse but leverage the training to become entrepreneurs and create opportunities for others.
In separate interviews,some of the participants , Kareem Kazeem and Owolabi Toyin lauded the organization for the opportunity given to them, noted that the program has given them hope and a chance to build a brighter future.
The program covered a range of skills, including modern farming, Barbing, graphic design, bag, and shoe making, among others, while outstanding participants received startup funds ranging from #20,000-#50,000 to begin the entrepreneurship.