The candidate of the Labour Party for Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, has empowered nothing less than 1000 youths in his constituency through his FELACO Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (EDI)
The presentation of certificate and grants to graduands of FELACO EDI was done during the flagging off of his campaign organization on Saturday, at Mokola, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
While addressing newsmen on the reason for this initiative, Akin-Alamu said he created this to ensure true empowerment of his people adding that people of his constituency are equipped with the needed skills for development.
He said: “There is need for good representation and true empowerment for the people, not the kind of empowerment that most politicians give to people.
“Here, we are teaching people how to be truly empowered, a lot of empowerment is not empowerment. We created this to able to teach people how to fish. Teaching them how to become empowered and become boss of themselves.
“We have always been doing this over the years. Last year, we empowered about over 4,000 youths. This year, we are empowering over a thousand and we will continue to do so.”
While also speaking with the newsmen, one of the beneficiaries, Ifeoluwa Christiana, a participant of Make Up class applauded the initiator of the scheme. She promised to utilize the opportunity.
She said: “I’ve never come across a person that can empower someone to this level without knowing them. He really invested in us.
“I really appreciate him for this as I’m about to be the boss of my own. Learning this outside will cost me around 200, 000 naira which I don’t have.”
Another participant, Lateef Abeeb also described the empowerment opportunity as a golden one which will last for long in his life.
“As a beneficiary of Graphic Design class, I enjoyed the class as it was very well organized and also comprehensive. Learning this kind of graphic design outside will cost me 100, 000. I really appreciate.” he said.
Also, addressing newsmen, the Ibadan North Labour Party Chairman, Mr Ajibaye George said the scheme is a one of kind as the initiator believes in empowering people, teaching them how to be responsive and responsible.
The FELACO entrepreneurship development initiative trained over 1000 participants in 15 different courses, such as Photography, Shoe Making, Graphic Design, Snail Farming, Event Decorations, Barbing among others.
The initiator of the scheme, Akin-Alamu also presented N20, 000 each to 50 participants to start up in their various vocations.
Other highlights of the programme includes the official opening of the campaign office, presentation of certificate and grants to participants of the scheme, and also a mega rally around Ibadan North constituency.
In a related development, Akin-Alamu recently met with media practitioners in the state, urging them to play the role of partners in progress with him and his party as the 2023 general election draws closer.